^L 



Atf 



ABRIBOIOBNT 



OF 



MILNER'S 



ewrawii Mii^^mT: 



% 



FOR THE USE OF 



SCHOOLS AlfD PRIVATE FAMILIES. 



BY REBECCA EATON. 



i: And he looked, and behold the bush burned with fire, and the bush 

was not consumed " — Moses. 
:i Thus saith the Lord, behold I wil! extend peace to her like a river, 

and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream." — Isaiah* 



SECOND EDITION, 



K> -^- - 



Charleston, s. <£♦ 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY WM. RILE*. 

CHURCH-STKEET 



1836, 






district of %outh-Car6Hnd. 

BEIT REMEMBERED, That on the eighth day of June, 
Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty six, and in 
the fiftieth year of the Independence of the United States of 
America, Rebecca Eaton, of the said Disnict, deposited in t ! iis of- 
fice the title of a bonk, the right whereof she claims as Author, in 
fhe words following, to wit ; — 

u An Abridgment of Milner's Church History, for the uj-e cf 
'Schools and Private Families. By Rebecca Eaton. * And he look- 
ed, and behold the bush burned with fire, and the binh was not 
consumed.' — Moses. l Thus saith the Lord, behold I will extend 
peace to her like a river, and the slory of the Gentiles like a flow 
j«o stream.' — Isaiah, Second Edition/' 

In conformity with the act of Congress of the United States. 
entitled " An act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing 
fhe copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprie- 
tors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned*' — And also 
an act entitled, " An act supplementary to an act, entitled, * An 
act, for the encouragement of Learning, bv securing the copies of 
jVlaps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such 
copies during the times therein mentioned,' and extending the bene- 
fits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving and etching histori- 
cal and other prints," 

JAMES JERVEY, 

District Clerk S. 0. i? 









PREFACE. 



An acquaintance with history is highly con- 
ducive to the improvement of the mind. It 
invigorates the imagination, improves the me- 
mory, enlarges the understanding, impresses 
us with a sense of our depravity, and of the 

ing nature of earthly pomp and grandeur 5 
and lea :s the mind! to k the contemplation of 
Him, before whom the nations are as a drop 
of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust 
ef the balance. - Si 

If attention to history in general be atfeful, 
will not a particular attention to a history of 
the church be peculiarly so ? Will not all, 
especially the young, delight in attending to 
this most delightful subject ? Will they not 
delight in looking through the ages of time, and 
amidst convulsion, devastation, and over- 
throw, in beholding the rising glory of Zion ? 

Being desirous of exciting the attention of 
young ladies to this interesting study, highly 
appreciating the merits of Milner's, Church 
History, and knowing that few are able to 
purchase or have leisure to read the work en- 
tire, the writer of this Abridgment now pre- 
sumes, though withi'much diffidence, to offer 
her work to the public patronage. 



iV PREFACE. 

If people in advanced life should have op- 
portunity to read this work, it is hoped that 
their faith would be strengthened by a cloud 
of witnesses ; that they would be led to ob- 
serve the conduct of divine Providence with 
regard to his children, and profit by the doc- 
trines, precepts, and example of the primitive 
Christians. 

The work however is designed principally 
for schools 5 for impressing on the minds of 
the rising generation the important facts rela- 
tive to the church of Christ Having, for 
some years, been in the habit of instructing 
youth, and having learned from experience, 
that ecclesiastical history is happily calculat- 
ed to impress on their hearts and consciences 
the leading truths of Christianity ; the writer 
has very much wished that it might become an, 
object of more general attention. 

Should teachers think proper to encourage 
this effort for diffusing Christian knowledge, 
they are requested to turn their pupils to the 
questions in the latter part of the volume, and 
direct them to learn the answers in the cor- 
responding chapters. It may, perhaps, in 
some cases, be necessary to mark the answers ; 
but in general, an attentive scholar will be 
able to find them without any particular direc- 
tions. Having gone through once or twice in 
this way, they may be called on to answer 
questions in a varied and disconnected man- 
ner, according to the following examples. 



PREFACE. V 

Who are to be ranked among the most re- 
nowned Reformers ? 

Who was the first Christian emperor 1 

At what time did Cyprian live ? 

Give an account of the Reformation. 

When did the martyrdom of Poly carp take 
place ? 

What were the most prominent circumstan- 
ces which took place at the council of Con- 
stance ? 

What was there distinguishing in the cha- 
racter of Augustine 1 

Relate the history of the Waldenses. 

What were some of the corruptions of po- 
pery ? 

Diligent scholars will by no means be dis- 
couraged at the long list of questions. They 
will rejoice at the thought of being able in a 
few weeks to recite them all. By recollecting 
that the answers are many of them short, and 
all interesting and important, they will com- 
mit them with facility, retain them with ease, 
and recal them with increasing enjoyment. 

But the great object of faithful teachers will 
^iot be, simply to impress on the memory of 
their pupils the important facts herein con- 
tained. They will labor that the hearts of 
their scholars may be affected 5 that they 
may believe and practise these sacred truths 5 
4hat they may be impressed with a deep sense 
of their un worthiness, excited to love Christ 
and his cause, induced to unite with the church 
1* 



VI PREFACE. 

here, and become prepared for the Church 
triumphant in glory. These are objects, 
which demand the most serious and prayerful 
attention ; and the labors here recommend- 
ed, will be followed by consequences lasting 
as eternity. 



CENTURY I. 
CHAP. I 

# PACE. 

A summary view of the Church, so far as it may be collect- 
ed from Scripture IB 

CHAP. II. 

The remainder of the first century r 86 

CENTURY II. 

CHAP. I. 

General state of the Church in this century 33 

CENTURY III. 

CHAP. I. 

Christian authors of this century ~ > 47 

CHA$. II. 

General view of the Church in this century, and the life of 

Cyprian - - .. -. « 5$ 

CHAP. III. 

Some account of Gregory - {• 74 

CHAP. IV. 
Propagation of the gospel - - '- 76 



Till CONTENTS. 

CHAP. V. 

Connexion between the doctrine and practice of primitive 

Christians ------- - 76 

CENTURY IV, 

CHAP, r 

The persecution of Dioclesian - - - - - 5*9 

CHAP. II. 

General state of the Church from Constantino to Theodo- 

sius - - - -.- - - - 84? 

CHAP. III. 

Propagation of the gospel 98 

CHAP. IV 
Christian authors -------99 

CENTURY V. 

CHAP. I. 

Christian authors - - ^ - - - 1Q1 

CHAP. II. 

General state of the Church in this century - - 115 

CENTURY VI. 

CHAP. I. 

Life of Fulgentius, and the state of the Church in this cen- 
tury - - «. - - * jia 



CONTENTS * IX 

CHAP. II. 

Life of Gregory - - - «= - - 127 

CENTURY VIL 

CHAP. L 

England - 135 

CHAP. II. 

General state of the Church in this century ~ - 137 

CENTURY VIIL 

CHAP. I. 

Venerable Bede, the English Presbyter - 142 

• €H\P. II. 

Some farther account of the Mahometans - 143 

CHAP. III. 
Controversy of images ------ 144 

CHAP. IV. 

Propagation of the gospel - - - h — -^_ 147 

CENTURY IX. 

CHAP. I. 

General state of the Church in this century -* - 151 

CHAP. II. 

The Paulicianj - ? - - * - 15^ 



X CONTENTS. 

chap; hi. 

Opposition to the corruptions of popery r. "■ lo5 

CHAP. IV. 

Propagation of the gospel - - - - - - 1&7 

CENTURY X. 

CHAP. L 

Oeneral state of the Church in his century - - 160 

CHAP. If. 
'Propagation of the gospel ------ 162 

CHAP. III. 

Writers of this century .-«_-- 165 

CENTURY XL 

CHAP. I. 

General state of the Church in this century »• - 166 

CHAP. II. 



CENTURY XII. 



168 



CHAP. I. 

Life of Bernard -. ,\ - .-,. -. ..-.-•-. 172 

CHAP. II. 

.General state of the Churchy in this century - 1S2 



'fe'OS VERTS.' xi 

CENTURY XIIT. 
* CHAP. I. 

The Waidcnses - - 186 

CHAP II. 
General state of the church in this century - - 194 

CENTURY XIV. 
CHAP. I. 

#ener.tl s ate of the Church in this century - -r 197 

CHAP. II. 

Distinguished characters - 195 

CENTURY XV. 
CHAP. I. 

The Lollards -' r - , gQg 

CHAP. II. 

The Council of Constance, including the cases of John 

Huss, alid Jerome of Prague - 207 

CHAP. III. 

The Hussites, till the beginning of the Reforma io 220 

CHAP. IV. 

A brief review of the fifteenth c-niury - - £2£ 

CENTURY XVI. 
CHAP. I. 
The Reformation, under the conduct of Luther - 3&4 



$ii Contents. 

PRELIMINARIES 

CHAP. II. 

The beginning of the controversy concerning indulgence?, 
till the conclusion of the conference between Luther 
and Cajetan. - 226 

CHAP. III. 

The controversy continued till the dispute at Leipsic 234 

CHAP. IV. 

The progress of the Reformation, till the conclusion of 
the Diet of Worms - - - - 240 

CHAP. V. 

From the conclusion of the Diet of Worms, to the death of 

the elector of Saxony - - - 253 

CHAP. VI. 

Marriage of Luther - - « 262 

CHAP. VII. 

Controversy with Erasmus - ~ . - - 263 

CHAP. VIII. 

Progress of the Reformation •■ 267 

€HAP. IX 

Writings of Luther - - * - 268 

CHAP, X. 

Progress of the Reformation till the Diet of Augs- 
burg - - - - - - 271 



CIENTURY I. 



CHAP. I. 

A SUMMARY VIEW OF THE CHURCH, SO FAR AS IT 
MAY BE COLLECTED FROM SCRIPTURE. 

JERUSALEM. 

That repentance and remission of sins should be 
preached in the name of Jesus Christ, among all na- 
tions, beginning at Jerusalem, is an injunction which 
points out the nature of the Christian religion ; and 
teaches us where to look for the rise of a dispensation; 
the most glorious to God and beneficent to man. — 
Christianity found mankind universally in a state of 
sin and misery. In Judea alone, something of the 
worship of the true God existed. The forms of the 
aic economy subsisted, but were greatly obscu- 
red and corrupted by Pharisaic tradition, Sadducean 
profaneness, and the defilement of heathen profligacy- 
That men needed to be made new creatures, a vd 
receive the forgiveness of sin, were ideas almost 
unknown in Judea. Scarcely in any age, had igno- 
rance and wickedness a more general prevalence. 

Such was the dismal night, in which the Sun of 
Righteousness made his appearance in the world. 
The darkest season was chosen by Him, " who hath 
put the times and seasons in his own power," for the 
exhibition of the Light of Life. 

To know our own depravity and helplessness, and. 
by faith in Jesus Christ, to know, experimentally, 
the true remedy, is the genuine secret of real piety. 
When wickedness and profaneness had spread uni- 



14 JERUSALEM. [CEN"f. I. 

versally, and true piety had become almost extinct, 
it pleased God to erect the first Christian Church at 
Jerusalem. 

Previously to this event, our Saviour had offered 
himself a sacrifice for sin, arisen from the dead, and 
ascended to glory. The Apostles, having witnessed 
our Lord's ascension, assembled m a large upper room 
at Jerusalem, and there, agreeably to their Master's 
command, waited for the reception of the Holy Spirit. 
This interesting season they spent mostly in prayer. 
On the day of Pentecost, one of the Jewish festivals, 
this era of divine visitation arrived. " Suddenly, 
there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing 
mighty wind, and it filled all the house, w T here they 
were sitting. And there appeared unto them, cloven 
tongues, like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them ; 
and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began 
to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them 
utterance." 

This strange event filled the surrounding multitude 
with astonishment. Some expressed admiration; 
others, deriding, accused the Apostles of being intoxi- 
cated with wine. But Peter, boldly repelled the 
charge, and addressed himself, with such vehemence, 
to their hearts and consciences, that they could neither 
gainsay nor resist. The principal design of his ser- 
mon, was to beget conviction of sin in his hearers ; 
and so powerful were its effects, that multitudes 
w r ere pricked to the heart, and so impressed w 7 ith a 
sense of sin, that they cried, saying, " Men and breth- 
ren, what shall w r e do ?"• Peter replied, u Repent, 
and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus 
Christ." " Then they, that gladly received his word, 
were baptized, and the same day there were added 
unto them about three thousand souls." They, whose 
hearts God had smitten with a sense of guilt, and fear 
of punishment, were now consoled by the ^race of 
forgiveness, and the prospect of future felicity, 



GE^T. I.] JERUSALEM. 15 

Here we behold the regular appearance of the first 
Christian Church. Its members were not Christians 
in name merely ; they believed and understood the 
apostolic doctrines, concerning repentance and remis- 
sion of sin in the name of Jesus Christ ; continued uni- 
ted to their Pastors, whom God had made instru- 
ments of their conversion ; frequently received the 
ordinance of the Lord's Supper, in which they enjoy- 
ed real communion with their Saviour ; and prayer 
was their daily employment and delight. 

Their holy boldness toward God, and their joyful 
sensation of forgiveness, were tempered with heavenly 
humility and godly fear. They had felt the pangs of 
guilt, had seen what a price was paid for their re- 
demption, and " rejoiced with trembling, ?? as men. 
just emerging from the pit of destruction. The saiire 
spirit, which cried, Abba Father, in their hearts, 
taught them to fear God, to reverence his justice and 
holiness, and to dread sin as the greatest of evils. 

The Apostles continued to preach the doctrines of 
repentance and remission of sin ; and their labors were 
so abundantly blessed, that the church was soon in- 
creased to five thousand. 

The signal of persecution was now raised by the 
magistrates of Jerusalem. Some of the Apostles were 
imprisoned, and all commanded not to teach nor preach 
in the name of Jesus. But human power was unable 
to restrain them. " The Lord sent his angel to cpen 
the prison doors, and let the prisoners go free." 

No sooner were the Apostles released from confine- 
ment, than they again commenced preaching, and 
when accused of disobedience, replied, " We ought 
to obey God rather than man.' 7 

The boldness with which the Apostles continiicd to 
preach Christ, called forth all the malice of their ene- 
mies, and a terrible storm of persecution seemed 
ready to burst upon them ; but was providentially pre- 
vented by Gamaliel, a Pharisee, who advised the rti- 



16 JERUSALEM, 



CEJNT. I. 



iers to let those men alone, saying, " If this counsel or 
this work he of men, it will come to nought, but if it 
he of God, ye cannot overthrow it." 

About this time, seven deacons were chosen, whose 
effice was to supply the poor, and minister relief to 
the widows. Of these seven, Stephen was the most 
distinguished. " He, being full of faith and power, did 
great wonders and miracles among the people." His 
godly example soon excited the rage of his enemies, 
who employed men falsely to accuse him, and by this 
artifice, drew him before the Sanhedrim. 

In his defence, he boldly accused the Jews, showing 
that they had been the betrayers and murderers of 
Jesus. " When they heard these things, they were 
cut to the heart, and gnashed on him with their teeth, 
and ran upon him, and cast him out of the city, and 
stoned him." But while in the agonies of death, he 
kneeled down and cried with aloud voice, u Lord, 
lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had 
said this he fell asleep." 

The eloquence of Cicero would be mere feebleness 
on this occasion. All praise is below the excellency 
of that spirit, which shone in this first of Christian 
Martyrs. Let it stand as an example of the genuine 
temper of martyrdom, of true faith in Christ, of real 
charity to men ; and let heroes of the world hide 
their heads in confusion. 

A young man called Saul, who had been educated by 
Gamaliel at Jerusalem, was, at this time, a leader of 
the hosts, armed against the disciples of the Lord. Not 
satisfied with the devastation, which he made of the 
church at Jerusalem, he went to the high priest, and so- 
licited a commission from him to persecute the Chris- 
tians at Damascus ; and commenced his journey, more 
like a wolf than a man — " breathing slaughter and 
death." But while he was ready to invade the fold and 
destroy the sheep, the great Shepherd withstood his 
rage, disarmed him of his fury, and led him captive. 



OEXT. I.] JERUSALEM. 1^ 

When on his way to Damascus, thirsting for the 
blood of Christians, the Son of God arrested him in 
his m#d career ; and by a light from heaven, above 
the brightness of the sun, blinded his eyes, struck him 
to the ground, and while he trembled at his feet, pro- 
claimed, " I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest." 
Paul was terrified, convicted, and condemned. He 
could no longer resist, but threw himself at the feet 
of his injured and offended Conqueror, and hi lan- 
guage, highly expressive of obedience, exclaimed, 
" Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?" Christ said 
to him " Arise and stand upon thy feet, and in Damas- 
cus it shall be told thee what to do." " For I have 
appeared unto you for this purpose, to make thee & 
minister and a witness both of the things which thou 
hast seen and of those things, in the which I will ap- 
pear unto thee, delivering thee from the people and 
from the Gentiles, unto whom I now send thee." 

An astonishing display of divine grace is this. Paul 
is suddenly convicted and converted ; he believes, is 
forgiven, justified, made a chosen vessel, and appoint- 
ed by Christ an Apostle to bear his name before the 
Gentiles. 

Paul was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. 
He stopped not to confer with flesh and blood, but im- 
mediately, upon his receiving sight and being filled with 
the Holy Ghost, he preached in Damascus, to the as- 
tonished multitude, Jesus Christ and him crucified. 

From this time, the whole vehemence of his natu- 
ral character and all the powers of his soul, were con- 
secrated to the service of Jesus Christ ; and until his 
death, he was engaged in a course of labors with un- 
paralleled industry and success. This is he, who is 
commonly known by the name of St. Paul, and his 
memorial is blessed forever. 

Saul having espoused the cause of Christianity, the 
fury of the persecution, for a short time, subsided. 
God gave rest to his church, and the disciples " Walk* 
2* 



18 JUDEA AND GALILEE. [CENT, I. 

ed in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the 
Holy Ghost."* 

At this time, the civil power of Judea was invested 
in the hands of Herod Agrippa, who slew James, the 
son of Zebedee. Finding that this act was popular, . 
he apprehended and imprisoned Peter, with an in- 
tention to have him publicly executed. But prayer 
to God was made for him, without ceasing ; and it 
prevailed. The night before his intended execution, 
the Lord sent his angel and delivered him from pri- 
son, and from all the expectation of the Jews. 

Little did Herod apprehend, that his own death 
would precede that of his prisoner. On a public oc- 
casion he appeared in great splendor, and delivered 
an oration, so pleasing to his audience, that they shout- 
ed, "It is the voice of a god and not of a man." 
That moment he was smitten by an angel with an in- 
surable disease, because he gave not God the glory. 

The next memorable event, in the mother church, 
was the first Christian council, held at Jerusalem, 
about twenty years after the ascension of our Saviour. 
The object of this was to settle disputes, which arose 
respecting circumcision. 

JUDEA AND GALILEE. 

The Holy Land was divided into three provinces. 
Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. 

Soon after the persecution which arose about Ste- 
phen, the blessed tidings of the Gospel, began to be 
spread through Judea and Galilee, and were attended 
with rapid success. Those, who had felt the flame of 
divine love in Jerusalem, being obliged to flee, preached 
throughout these regions ; and many were converted. 

The principal instrument, in establishing these 
churches, was Peter. He passed through all quar- 

* See Christian Observer, Vol. I. 



GENT. I.] SAMARIA CjESAREA. 19 

ters, went to places most remote from the capital, 
and the Lord wrought effectually in him for the con- 
version of the Jews. 

SAMiftllA. 

This country lay between Judea and Galilee, though 
distinguished from them both in its polity and religion. 
The inhabitants possessed a large part of the district, 
which belonged to the ten tribes, whom the kings of 
Assyria carried into captivity. These conquerors 
tilled their vacant places with colonists, who mixed 
the worship of Jehovah with their idols ; vainly boast- 
ed of their relation to Jacob ; professed to regard the 
law of Moses, and despised, or at least depreciated 
the rest of the Old Testament. 

The divine Saviour pitied this people, and visited 
them in mercy ; some were converted, and the effu 
sions of his kindness toward them, appeared finally in 
abundance. 

Philip being driven from Jerusalem by the perse- 
cution, was directed to go to Samaria ; there he 
preached Christ, and the Gospel entered the hearts of 
so large a number, that there was great joy in that city. 

The Apostles, hearing of the happy effects of the 
Gospel at Samaria, sent thither Peter and John, who 
labored effectually, and saw a blessed effusion of the 
Holy Spirit. 

CjESAILEA 

The residence of a Roman governor, was situated 
on the confines of Syria and Judea. 

Philip, after a laborious passage from Azotus, preach- 
ing through all the cities, settled, at length, in Caesarea. 

The Gospel was first preached at this place by Peter 
at the request of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, who 
had been warned by an angel to send for him. Agree- 
ably to the suggestions of the Spirit, Peter entered 



20 ANTIOCH— GALATIA. [CE-NT. I 

Caesarea, and came to the house of Cornelius, who 
had called together his kinsmen, and near friends. 
Peter preached the Gospel to them ; the whole com- 
pany were converted, and the Holy Ghost sealed the 
Apostle's sermon. They were all baptized, and at 
their desire, Peter spent a few days with them, in- 
structed them farther in Christian principles, and then 
left them to the care of Philip. 

ANTIOCH. 

The Gospel was first preached at Antioch by some 
Cypriot and Cyrenian Jews, who broke through the 
pale of distinction, and, at the metropolis of Syria, 
preached the Lord Jesus to the Gentiles. The Lord, 
willing to overcome effectually, the reluctance of self- 
righteous bigotry, attended their ministry w r ith re- 
markable success. The mother church, hearing of this, 
sent Barnabas to assist in carrying on the w r ork, which 
needed more laborers. Finding many converts, he 
exhorted them to perseverance ; and the addition of 
believers was still so large, that he sought a coadju* 
tor. Saul came to his assistance, and this populous 
city employed them a year and a half. Leaving An- 
tioch, they went from place to place, preaching the 
Gospel, and patiently suffering much persecution. 

GALATIA. 

The love of God, where it exists in an ardent de- 
gree, is insatiable. The Apostle's heart is not con- 
tent with the trophies already erected in many parts 
of Asia Minor. As the miser thinks no acquisition 
great, while any prospect of farther gain opens to his 
view ; so, Paul could not, with complacency, rest in 
the attainments already made, while so much ground 
lay before him in the hands of Satan. He there- 
fore travelled into Galatia, and great numbers of the 



CENT. I*] PHILIPFI. 21 

people of that country received the gospel, and se- 
veral churches were planted in the district. The 
Apostle laid clearly before them the riches of divine 
grace ; and they had the strongest impression of its 
truth, and so felt the power of its energy, that they 
seemed, as it were, to see the Son of God crucified 
among them, received the promised spirit of adoption, 
and cheerfully suffered much persecution for the 
name of Christ. 

PHILIPPf. 

While Paul and Silas were at Troas, uncertain 
whither they should go next, a nightly vision, in which 
a man of Macedonia, entreated Paul to come over 
and help them, determined, at once, their destination. 
Hence, they sailed from Troas, came into Philippi, 
a city of Macedonia, and preached the gospel for the 
first time in Europe. 

Having labored there for some time with success, 
they were, at length, imprisoned for casting out a 
spirit of divination. The jailor thrust them into the 
inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 
In this situation, these servants of God, though op- 
pressed with pain, hunger, and every disagreeable 
circumstance, were enabled, at midnight, to pray and 
sing praises to God. The Lord heard them ; there 
was a great earthquake ; the prison doors were 
opened ; and the bands of the prisoners were loosed. 
The jailor awoke, and in his first trepidation, was 
about to rush into eternity. But Paul cried out, 
" Do thyself no harm, we are all hear." Struck with 
horror at the thought of the world to come, he came 
trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, saying, 
"What must I do to be saved ;" " Believe on the 
Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved," was their 
reply. These things had a most salutary effect. Both 
the jailor and his household believed and were baptized. 



%% THESSALONICA. [CEtfT. I 

In the morning, Paul and Silas, being dismissed 
from prison, went into the house of Lydia, comforted 
the disciples, and departed. 

Liberality was a shining virtue in the Philippian 
church ; and so flourishing were her graces, that they 
afforded a source of peculiar pleasure to the Apostle. 

Such was the work of God at Philippi. A considera- 
ble number were brought to the knowledge and love 
of God and the hope of salvation by his Son Jesus. 
In this faith and hope they persevered, amidst a 
world of persecutions, steadily brought forth the fruits 
of charity, and lived in the joyful expectation of a 
blessed resurrection. 

THESSALONICA. 

At Thessalomca, another European church was 
formed, whose members were inferior to none in pri- 
mitive times. Their faith, hope, and charity, evince 
them to be God's elect. The word came to their 
hearts in much power and assurance ; and though it 
exposed them to much affliction, this did not prevent 
their joy in the Holy Ghost. Paul's success here, 
roused the persecuting spirit of the malicious Jews ; 
and obliged him abruptly to leave this infant church. 

The growth of this people in godliness was renown- 
ed through the Christian world. Their persecution 
appears to have been grievous ; hence, the comfort 
of God, and the prospect of the invisible world, be- 
came more precious to them. The Apostle made 
two attempts to return to them ; but was prevented 
by the malice of Satan. Fearing, lest the weight of 
their afflictions might crush their religion in its infan- 
cy, he sent Timothy to establish, and comfort them. 
From him, on his return, he learnt the strength of 
their faith and love, and their affectionate remem- 
brance of the Apostle, whose benevolent effusions of joy 
and gratitude on the occasion, exceed all encomium. 



CENT. I.J CORINTH ROME-— ASIA. 23 

CORINTH, 

Was at this time the metropolis of Greece. The 
Apostles went thither, and having labored for a short 
time, a spirit of persecution arose ; but by a vision, 
in which Christ assured him, that he had much people 
in that place, Paul was encouraged to continue there 
a year and a half. After he had left the place, Apol- 
los was a very powerful instrument in building up that 
church. 

ROME. 

Our first accounts of the Roman church are very 
imperfect. This church, however, was then so flour- 
ishing, that her faith was spoken of throughout the 
world. 

THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA. 

On Paul's departure from Corinth, he visited Ephe- 
sus, one of the seven churches of Asia. His first stay 
was short ; but the impression made on his hearers 
was very great. He left Aquila and Priscilla with 
them, whose labors were afterwards assisted by 
Apollos. 

On PauPs return to Ephesus, he preached three 
months in the Jewish Synagogue, till the usual per- 
verseness of the Jews induced him to desist, and to form 
the new converts into a distinct church. For the space 
of two years he daily preached in the school of one 
Tyrannus ; and the whole region of Asia had, at dif- 
ferent times, an opportunity of hearing the gospel. 

In no place, does the word of God seem so much to 
have triumphed, as at Ephesus. No less numerous 
than those of Corinth, the believers were much more 
spiritual. The work of conversion was deep, vigo- 
rous, and soul-transforming to a great degree. The 
spiritual power of Jesus had never been seen in a 



24 THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA. [CENT. I. 

stronger light since the day of Pentecost. Here 
Paul labored for three years, with great success, and 
left pastors to superintend that, and the neighboring 
churches. 

St. John, the only survivor of the Apostles, lona; 
continued his fatherly care over the churches of Asia. 
During his exile at Patmos, he was favored with a 
remarkable vision from the Lord Jesus, and directed 
to address a letter to each of the Asiatic churches. 
These letters contained several distinct charges, 
threatenings, commendations, encourgements, &c. 

The Ephesians were still alive in the faith ; and 
patiently bore the cross, although they had declined 
from the intenseness of that love, which they at first 
exhibited. 

The church of Smyrna was next addressed. It was 
in a state of great purity of doctrine, and holiness of 
heart and life. 

The church of Pergamus was also approved in gen- 
eral. They lived in the midst of a very impious 
people, who, in effect worshipped Satan himself, and 
did all in their power to support his kingdom. Yet 
was the zeal of this church firm and steady. 

The church of Thyatira was in a flourishing state ; 
charity, active services, patient dependence on God 
and a steady reliance on the divine promises, marked 
their works. 

The church of Sardis presents us with an unplea- 
sant spectacle. 

Philadelphia is highly extolled. They were a 
humble, charitable, fervent people, deeply sensible 
of their own weakness, and fearful of being seduced 
by Satan and their own hearts. 

The Laodicean church was even worse than that of 
Sardis It was in a lukewarm state. Such a state 
is most odious to Christ ; because his religion calls 
for the whole vehemence of the soul, and bids us to 
be cool only in worldly things. 



CHAPTER II, 



THE REMAINDER OF THE FIRST CENTURY. 

We are now obliged to dismiss our infallible guide., 
the Scripture, and pursue the history of the church, 
depending merely on human authority. 

It is evident, that the Apostles did not, in general, 
leave Judea, till after the first council held at Jeru- 
salem. Neither did they ever seem in haste to leave 
the land of their nativity. Probably, the threaten- 
ing appearances of its desolation, by the Romans, 
hastened their departure into distant regions. And 
so great were the effects of their exertions among 
the Gentiles that, before the close of the third centu- 
ry, the sanctifying influences of the gospel were felt 
throughout the Roman Empire. 

This chapter we shall divide into three parts. 

I. Review the progress and persecution of the * 
church. 

II. The lives, characters, and deaths of the Apostles 
and most celebrated Evangelists. 

III. The general character of Christians in this age. 
In the year 64 the Romans first issued edicts for 

persecuting the Christians ; nor were they satisfied 
till they had wreaked their vengeance in ten general 
persecutions. 

During the reign of Nero, the city of Rome sustain- 
ed a general conflagration. The Emperor, who is 
supposed to have been the author of this calamity, 
accused the Christians of having set it on fire. They 
were, at this time, so generally hated and despised, 
that they could be calumniated with impunity. Ac- 
cordingly a persecution commenced against them, 
which raged with dreadful fury. 
3 



26 _ CLOSE OF THE FIRST CENTURY. [CENT. I, 

Some were crucified, others torn by dogs, and 
many were covered with the skins of wild beasts, 
dipped in tar, and then burned alive in the night, to 
afford light and sport to the spectators. 

Three or four years were probably the utmost ex- 
tent of this tremendous persecution. In the year 68 
the tyrant was himself, by a dreadful exit, summoned 
before the divine tribunal. He left the Roman world 
in a state of extreme confusion. Judea partook of it 
in an eminent degree. During the reign of Vespasian, 
forty years after our Lord's sufferings, wrath came 
upon the Jewish nation to the utmost. History cannot 
furnish a parallel to their miseries, during the time 
that Jerusalem was besieged by Titus, the Roman 
general ; rapine and murder, famine and pestilence 
within ; fire and sword, and all the terrors of war 
without. Though they were terrified with prodigies 
and earthquakes, and though their iniquities were as- 
tonishingly multiplied ; they still expected the spe- 
cial protection of Heaven, and resolved to resist, and 
did resist, the Roman power even unto madness. — 
Having sustained a sie^e of six months, during which 
more than a million perished, the city was taken and 
destroved, agreeably to the predictions of our Saviour. 
Ninety-seven thousand Jews were taken captives. 
Those under seventeen, were sold for slaves ; the 
others were generally destroyed by wild beasts.* 

The Christians of Judea fled to a city beyond Jor- 
dan called Pella, and were all preserved from the 
sword of the Romans. 

The death of Nero, and the destruction of Jerusa- 
lem, occasioned some respite to the sufferings of the 
Christians. We have no farther accounts of their 
being persecuted, till the reign of Domitian, who 
succeeded to the empire in the year 81. 

Toward the end of his reign, he renewed the hor- 
rors of Nero's persecution, and put to death a large 

* Newton on the Prophecies. 



GENT. I.] CLOSE OF THE FIRST 3ENTURY. 



an 



number of persons accused of Atheism, the common 
charge alleged against Christians for their refusing 
to worship the Pagan gods. Some were condemned 
for embracing Jewish customs, many of whom were 
put to death, and others spoiled of their goods. 

In the year 96, Domitian was slain ; and Nerva, the 
succeeding emperor, published an edict, in which he 
pardoned those who were condemned, recalled those 
who were banished, and forbade accusing any person 
on account of impiety or Judaism. This brings us to 
the close of the first century, and exhibits the Chris- 
tians in a state of external peace. 

We shall review, 

II. The lives, characters, and deaths of the Apos- 
tles, and most celebrated Evangelists. 

The first of the Apostles that suffered martyrdom, 
we have seen, was James, the son of Zebcdee. He 
is recalled to memory, on account of a remarkable 
circumstance, which attended his death. 

The man who had drawn him before the tribunal, 
observing with what readiness he submitted to mar- 
tyrdom, was struck with remorse, shortly turned from 
the power of Satan unto God, cheerfully confessed 
Christ, and was beheaded with the Apostle. - 

The other, James, was preserved to a much later 
period. He was Pastor of the church at Jerusalem, 
and obtained the name of Just, on account of his re- 
markable innocence and integrity. His martyrdom 
took place in the year 62, a short time subsequent to 
the publication of his Epistle. The principal men of 
Judea, enraged at the vast increase of Christian con- 
verts by his means, were desirous of obtaining some 
pretence for putting him to death. Accordingly, they 
persuaded him to mount a pinnacle of the temple, and 
make an address to the people^ then assembled at the 
Passover. James, being placed aloft, delivered a frank 
confession of Jesus as then sitting at the right hand o 
Power, and who should come ia the clouds of heave.u 



28 



CLOSE OF THE FIRST CENTURY. [CENT. I. 



Upon this, Ananias and the rulers being greatly incen- 
sed, cried out that Justin himself was seduced, and- 
threw him down and stoned him. The Apostle had 
strength to fall on his knees and pray, " I beseech thee, 
Lord God and Father, for them, for they know not 
what they do." One of the priests moved at the scene, 
cried out, u Cease, what do you mean ? This good man 
is praying for you." A person present with a fuller's 
club, beat out his brains and completed his martyrdom. 

The Apostles and disciples of our Lord then assem- 
bled to appoint a successor of James in the church at 
Jerusalem. The election fell on Simeon, brother of 
Joseph, our Lord's reputed Father. 

The great Apostle Paul, continued to labor with 
unremitting zeal, and increasing activity from the time 
of his conversion in the year 36, till the year of his 
i-nartyrdom 63. Within this period, he Wrote fourteen 
epistles, which will be the blessed means of feeding 
the souls of the faithful to the end of time. Having 
zealously preached the gospel for nearly thirty years> 
and sustained innumerable trials, conflicts, and suffer- 
ings, he was slain with the sword, by the order of Nero. 

This Apostle had many fellow laborers, whose names 
he has immortalized in his writings. Timothy was a 
particular favorite, whom antiquity records as the first 
Pastor of Ephesus, as it does Titus, the first of Crete. 

Luke of Antioch, the beloved Physician, was ano- 
ther of Paul's companions, the writer of the third Gos- 
pel, and the faithful relater of this Apostle's transac- 
tions, of which he was an eye witness. 

The last view, we have in Scripture of St. Peter, 
presents him at Antioch. This was, probably, in the year 
50. From this time till his death, he was principally 
employed in spreading the gospel among his own coun- 
trymen. In the year 63, he came to Rome, where he 
wrote his two Epistles, a short time before his death. 

When Paul was martyred under Nero, Peter suf- 
fered with him. He was crucified with his head 



CENT. I.] CLOSE OF THE FIRST CENTURY. 29 

downwards, a kind of death, which he desired, from 
I a conviction of being unworthy the honor of suffering 
in the same manner in which his Lord had done. 

Peter's wife had been called to martyrdom a short 
time before himself. He saw her led to execution, 
and rejoicing at the grace of God vouchsafed to her, 
addressed her by name, and exhorted, and comforted 
her, with, " Remember the Lord." 

Of the labors of eight Apostles, Andrew, Philip, 
Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, Jude, Simeon, and 
Matthias, nothing in particular is recorded. Of the 
Apostle John, a few valuable fragments may be col- 
lected. He was present at the council held at Jeru- 
salem in the year 50 ; and probably did not leave Ju- 
dea till that time. Asia Minor was the great theatre 

his labors, particularly Ephesus. 

Tertullian relates, that by order of Domitian, John 
was cast into .ja. caldron of boiling oil, and came out 
without receiving any injury. Domitian then banish- 
ed him to the solitary isle of Patnios, where he was 
favored with the vision of the Apocalypse. After the 
death of Domitian, he returned from Patmos and re- 
sumed his labors in Asia Minor. 

On one of his tours, he became acquainted with a 
remarkably engaging young man, whom he warmly 
recommended to the care of a particular Bishop. The 
young man was baptized, openly acknowledged Christ, 
and for a considerable time adorned his profession, 
Being^however, gradually corrupted by profligate com- 
panions, he became idle, intemperate, and finally so 
dissipated, as to become captain of a band of robbers. 
John, b^ing informed of the conduct of the young man, 
went, in the vehemence of his charity, to the place of 
his residence, and. exposed himself to be taken by the 
robbers. " Bring me," says he, " to your captain. 57 
They accordingly did. But the young man, as soon as 
he saw the Apostle, was smitten with confusion and 
fled. The aged Apostle following, cried; 6 fMy son, 

a* 



30 CLOSE OF THE FIRST CENTURY. [CENT. I 

why fliest thou from thy father unarmed and old ? Fear 
not. As yet there remaineth hope of salvation. Be- 
lieve me, Christ hath sent me." Hearing this, the 
young man stood still, trembled, and wept. John 
prayed, exhorted, and brought him back to the society 
of Christians ; nor did he leave him, until he found 
him fully restored by divine grace. 

Another anecdote respecting St. John is this. Being 
now very old and unable to say much in Christian as- 
semblies, u Children, love one another," was his con- 
stant sermon. Being asked, w r hy he told them only one 
thing, he answered, that nothing else was necessary. 

This Apostle lived three or four years after his re- 
turn to Asia Minor ; having been preserved to the age 
of a hundred years for the benefit of the church, and 
a pattern of charity and goodness, for the disciples of 
Christ in all succeeding ages. 

The next character, which we shall notice, is Cle- 
ment. He w r as cotemporary with the Apostle Paul, 
his fellow laborer, and the one whom Paul speaks of as 
having his name written in the book of life. He long 
survived Paul and Peter, and was a great blessing to 
the Roman church, over which he presided nine years. 
His epistle to the Corinthians was read in many of 
the primitive churches, and exceedingly admired. A 
few quotations from it, will evince his belief in the 
distinguishing doctrines of the gospel. 

Clement represents the atonement made by Christ 
as the only foundation of hope to fallen man. "Let 
us steadfastly behold the blood of Christ, and see how 
precious it is in the sight of God, which, being shed 
for our salvation, hath procured the grace of repen- 
tance for all the world." 

" Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Sceptre of the majesty 
of God, came not in the pomp of arrogance or pride, 
though who can understand the thunder of his power ?" 

In the doctrine of justification by faith, he expresses 
his full belief. " We are justified not by ourselves* 



CENT. I.] CLOSE OF THE FIRST CENTURY, 31 

nor by our wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or 
by the works, which we have wrought by holiness of 
heart, but by faith. But what then ? Shall we ne- 
glect good works ? Does it follow from hence, that we 
should leave the law of loving obedience ? God for- 
bid. Let us rather hasten, with all earnestness of 
mind, to every good work ; for the Lord himself re- 
joices in his works. Having such a pattern, how stren- 
uously should we follow his will, and work the works 
of righteousness, with all our might." The agency 
and consolations of the Holy Spirit are distinctly ac- 
knowledged in the following quotations. 

" How blessed, how amazing the gift of God, belov- 
ed. Life in immortality, splendor in righteousness, 
truth in liberty, faith in assurance, sobriety in holi- 
ness. And thus far in this life, we know experimen- 
tally. If the earnests of the Spirit be so precious, 
what must be the things, which God hath prepared for 
them that wait for him." 

" Through him, that is, Jesus Christ, let us behold 
the glory of God shining in his face ; through him, the 
eyes of our hearts were opened ; through him our 
understanding, dark and foolish as it was, rises again 
in his marvellous light ; through him the Lord would 
have us taste of immortal knowledge." 

III. It remains to tuke a general view of Christian- 
ity in the first century. 

We have beheld the most astonishing revolution in 
the human mind, aud in human manners, effected, 
without the aid of human power ; and even against the 
combined opposition of all the powers then in the 
world. This too was in countries, not rude and unci- 
vilized ; but in the most humanized, the most learn- 
ed, and the most polished part of the globe. 

Here we behold thousands converted from the 
grossest immoralities to the purest morals, suddenly 
reformed in understanding, in inclination, and affec- 
tion, from a state of mere selfishness, transformed 



32 CLOSE OF THE FIRST CENTURY. [CENT. I. 

into the purest philanthropists, knowing, loving, and 
serving God, confiding in him amidst the severest suf- 
ferings, and serenely waiting for their dismission into 
a land of blissful immortality. 

In doctrine they all worshipped the one living and 
true God, who revealed himself to them in three Per- 
sons, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Each of 
these, they were taught to worship from the very 
office of baptism, performed in the name of the Tri- 
une God. 

The whole economy of grace so constantly reminded 
them of their obligations to the Father, who chose 
them to salvation, to the Saviour, who died for them, 
and to the Comforter, who supported and sanctified 
them ; and so perfectly did the doctrine of the Trinity 
comport with their views and feelings, that they were 
particularly incited to worship the Divine Three in 
One. 

They all had similar convictions of sin, of their own 
helplessness, of a state of perdition ; and all agreed 
in relying on the atoning bloocl, perfect righteousness, 
and prevalent intercession of Jesus, as their only hope 
of heaven. Regeneration by the Holy Ghost was 
their common privilege, and Avithout his constant in- 
fluence, they acknowledged themselves obnoxious only 
to sin and misery. 

We have seen the first Christians individually con- 
verted, and as the natural heart needs the same 
change still, the particular instances of conversion, 
recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, are models for 
us at the present day. 



ce neurit ii. 



CHAP. I. 



THE GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH IN THIS 
CENTURY. 

The master of the Roman world, at the commence- 
ment of this century, was the renowned Trajan, un- 
der whose reign, the Christians sustained another 
general persecution. His predecessor Nerva had 
restored the Christian exiles, and granted full tolera- 
tion to the church. Here John, the last of the Apos- 
tles, had recovered his station at Ephesus and slept 
in Jesus, before the short interval of tranquility Was 
closed by the persecuting spirit of Trajan. This em- 
peror had a confirmed prejudice against the Chris- 
tians, and meditated the extinction of the name. 

One of the most venerable characters, that suffered 
during this persecution, was Simeon, Bishop of Jeru- 
salem, and successor of St. James. Jerusalem was 
indeed, no more, but the church existed in some parts 
of Judea. Simeon, being accused as a Christian be- 
fore Atticus, the Roman governor, was immediately 
apprehended, and though he was then 120 years old, 
sustained the scourge for many days. The persecu- 
tor was astonished at his hardiness, but not being mo- 
ved with pity for his sufferings, at last ordered him to 
be crucified. 

Ignatius was another distinguished character, that 
suffered during the persecution of Trajan. In the 
year 70, the Apostles appointed him Bishop of An- 
tioch ; and in the year 107, he was martyred for the 
faith of Jesus. 



34 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. II. 

Trajan, being at this time at Antioch, on his way to 
the Parthian war, Ignatius came voluntarily into his 
presence, hoping by that means to avert the storm^ 
which seemed ready to burst upon the Christians, by 
offering to suffer in their stead. After a short con- 
ference between them on the subject of Christi- 
anity, Trajan gave orders that Ignatius should be 
carried bound, to Rome, and there thrown to the wild 
beasts for the entertainment of the people. Accord- 
ingly, he was immediately made prisoner, put on 
board a ship, and with all expedition, transported to 
the place of execution. While on his passage the 
ship made port at Smyrna. Here he was allowed 
the pleasure of visiting Polycarp, Bishop of that place. 
They had both been fellow disciples of St. John, and 
the holy joy of their interview* may be conceived by 
those who know what the love of Christ is, and how 
it operates in the hearts of those in .whom it dwells. 

While at this place, he wrote a number of epistles 
to Christian societies, to animate and strengthen their 
faith. Deputies were sent from various churches in 
Asia Minor to attend and- console him, and to receive 
instruction by his spiritual communications. 

From Smyrna he sailed to Troas. Here also several 
churches sent their messengers to visit and salute him ; 
and Providence so far restrained the inhumanity of his 
guards, that he was allowed to have intercourse with 
them. Here he addressed three other epistles to the 
churches, in which he expressed his full belief in those 
doctrines, now termed Calvinistic. Leaving Troas he 
was soon brought to Rome and presented to the Prefect 
of the city. When led to execution, he was attended 
by a number of the brethren and permitted to join with 
them in prayer. He prayed to the Son of God that he 
would arrest the progress of persecution, and continue 
the love of tfte brethren toward each other. He was 
then conducted to the Amphitheatre, and thrown to the 
wild beasts* The beasts were his grave. A few 



CENT. II.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH.. 35 

bones only remained, which the deacons gathered, 
carefully preserved, and afterward buried at Antioch. 

Ambition and the lust of power were not stronger 
features in the character of Caesar, than the desire 
of martyrdom was in that of Ignatius. The prize of 
martyrdom was before him, and he was unwilling to 
be deprived of it. 

He wrote to the Roman Christians and entreated 
them to use no arguments for his deliverance. " If you 
be silent," says he, "in my behalf, I shall be made a 
partaker of God ; but if you love my Mesh, I shall again 
have my course to run. I wrote to the churches, and 
signified to them all, that I die willingly for God, unless 
you prevent me. Now I begin to be a disciple, nor shall 
any thing move me, visible or invisible, that I may enjoy 
Christ. Let fire and the cross, let the companies of 
wild beasts, let breaking of bones, and tearing of limbs, 
let the grinding of the whole body, and all the malice of 
devils come upon me, only may I enjoy Jesus Christ." 

The unaffected charity and humility of Ignatius de- 
serve our particular attention. He alone seemed un- 
conscious of his attainments, while the whole Chris- 
tian world honored and admired him. 

His writings evince the soundness of his sentiments. 
He writes as follows. " Ignatius to the worthy and 
happy church at Ephesus. • Blessed in the majesty 
and fullness of God the Father, predestinated before 
the world to be perpetually permanent in glory, im- 
moveable, unitedk and elect, in the genuine sufferings 
by the will of the Father, and of Jesus Christ, our God 
One physician there is bodily and spiritually, begot- 
ten and unbegotten, God appearing in the flesh." 

Trajan died in the year 1 17. and was succeeded by 
Adrian. It appears, that this Emperor never issued 
any persecuting edicts. But the iniquity of his pre- 
decessor survived ; and Adrian's silent acquiescence, 
for a time, gave sufficient scope to exert itself in acts 
of dreadful barbarity. The persecution therefore 
proceeded with sanguinary rigor. 



36 GENERAL STATE OP THE CHURCH. [CENT. II, 

In the mean time, the gospel continued to spread. 
Many demonstrated by their conduct that the spirit 
which had influenced the Apostles rested on them. 
Filled with divine charity, they distributed their sub- 
stance to feed the poor, and travelled into regions, 
which had never heard the sound of the gospel. Ha- 
ving planted churches, and ordained over them Pas- 
tors, they committed to them the culture of the new 
ground, and passed on themselves to other countries. 

Here we cannot but admire the power of divine 
grace in the production of so pure and charitable a 
spirit, contrast it with the illiberal selfishness too pre- 
valent even among the best of Christians, and regret 
how little is done for the propagation of the gospel. 

The ancient Christians, were all one body, one 
church, of one name, and cordially loved one another 
as brothers. 

Attention to real Christianity was not dissipated by 
schismatic peculiarities ; nor the body of Christ rent 
in pieces by factions. There were indeed heretics ; 
but real Christians admitted them not into their com- 
munities. The line of distinction was drawn with 
precision ; and a dislike, to the person and offices of 
Christ, and of the real spirit of holiness, discrimina- 
ted the heretics. Separation from them, while it 
was undoubtedly the best mark of charity to their 
souls, tended to preserve the faith and love of true 
Christians in genuine purity. 

The persecution of the Christians raged with aw- 
ful severity till Quadratus, Bishop of Athens, and 
Aristides a certain Christian writer of the same place, 
presented apologies to the emperor, defending the 
gospel from the calumnies of its enemies. They had 
their desired effect. The good sense of the empe- 
ror was roused to do justice to his innocent subjects ; 
and accordingly, he prohibited his officers putting ta 
death Christians, unless proved guilty of immorali- 
ties, 



CENT. II. J GENERAL STATE *F THE CHURCH. cH 

But the same equitable rule of government, which 
forbade Adrian to punish the Christians, led him to be 
very severe against the Jews. At this time appear- 
ed Barchochebas, who pretended to be the star, 
prophesied of by Balaam. This miserable people, 
who had rejected the true Christ, received the im- 
poster with open arms, and were induced by him t© 
commit the most horrid crimes, and to exercise great 
cruelty towards the Christians. 

The issue of the rebellion, was the entire exclu- 
sion of the Jews from the city and territory of Jeru- 
salem. This leads us to consider, how the mother 
church at Jerusalem was affected by this revolution. 
Previously to the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus, 
the Christian Jews, as has been observed, retired to 
Pella, a little town beyond Jordan. How Ions: they 
continued there is uncertain. They must, however, 
have returned before Adrian's time, who, coming to 
Jerusalem forty-seven years after its destruction, found 
there a few houses and a little church "built on Mount 
Zion. Here the Christians of Jerusalem kept their 
solemn assemblies ; and seemed to have acquired a 
splendid accession, by the conversion of Aquilla, 
the emperor's kinsman. But the revolution under 
Adrian, at length put a total end to the Jewish church, 
by •the extirpation and banishment of that people. 

Adrian, after a reign of twenty-one years, was suc- 
ceeded by Antoninus Pius. He appears always to have 
been, at least in his own personal character "and inten- 
tions, guiltless of the blood of Christians. The ene- 
mies of religion found it difficult to support their perse- 
cuting spirit, till the abominations of heretics, whom 
malice and ignorance will ever confound with real Chris- 
tians, furnished them with some plausible, pretence. 
^ It pleated God, at this time, to endue a few Chris- 
tians with the power of defending the truth by the 
manly arms of rational arguments. Justin Martyr 
presented his first apology to the emperor Antoninus 



38 &ENEKAL STATlJ » *BE .CflBVllCH. [CENT. II, 

Pius, in the third year of his reign ; and the informal 
tion and arguments, it contained, were not without 
effect. Antoninus was a man of sense and humanity, 
open to conviction, and desirous of doing justice to all 
mankind. 

Asia was still the scene of vital Christianity and of 
cruel persecution. Hence the Christians of that place 
applied to Antoninus, complaining of the many in- 
juries, which they had sustained from the people of 
the country^ who laid to their charge the earthquakes, 
which had recently happened. These greatly terri- 
fied the Pagans, wh© ascribed them to the vengeance 
of heaven against the Christians. The emperor^ 
therefore, sent the following edict to the common 
council of Asia. "I. am quite of opinion, that the 
gods will take care to punish such persons. For it 
much more concerns them to punish those, who re- 
fuse to worship them, than it does you, if they be 
able. But you harass, and vex them, and accuse 
them of atheism, and other crimes which you can, by 
no means, prove. To them it appears an advantage 
to die for their religion, and they gain their point, 
while they throw -away their lives, rather than com- 
ply with your injunctions. As to the earthquakes, 
which have happened in past times, is it not proper 
to remind you of your own despondency, when they 
happen ; to desire you to compare your spirit with 
theirs, and observe how serenely they confide in God ? 
in such seasons, you seem to be ignorant of the gods, 
and neglect their worship, and yet live in the practi- 
cal ignorance of the supreme God himself; and you 
harass and persecute to death, those who do worship 

him." 

This edict, Eusebius informs us, was carried intt 
execution. Nor did the emperor content himself 
merely with this. He issued similar ones through- 
out the empire. Such vigorous measures must have 
had their designed effect ; and we may safely conclude 



CENT. II.] GENERAL STATE ©F THE CHURCH. 39 

that during a great part of this emperor's reign, which 
was twenty-three years, the Christians were permit- 
ted to worship God in peace. 

From the edict of Antoninus Pius, it appears, that 
there was a large body of men, devoted to the ser- 
vice of God, ready to die for his name, rather than 
renounce it ; that they had a sincere reverence for 
the supreme Being, an unaffected contempt of death, 
and a serenity of mind under the most pressing dan- 
gers. 

This divine religion, about which there was so 
much contention, comprehends every good thing, 
which can possibly be found in all other religions, has 
excellencies peculiar to itself, affords a fund of conso- 
lation, arid an energy of support under Ifce prospects 
of death, and points out the only safe and sure road to 
a blissful immortality. 

Marcus Antoninus succeeded Antoninus Pius, in the 
year 181, and, immediately upon his coming to the 
throne, rekindled the flames of persecution against 
the Christians. During his whole reign, which con- 
tinued nineteen years, he remained their implacable 
enemy ; and allowed and encouraged the most barba- 
rous treatment towards them. 

During this reign, many eminent Christian! suffered 
martyrdom. Among the number, was Justin Martyr. 
This great man was born at Neapolis, in Samaria. 
In his youth he travelled for the improvement of his 
mind. At Alexandria, he enjoyed all the literary 
entertainment, which an inquisitive mind could derive 
from fashionable studies. 

The Stoics, at first, appeared to him the masters 
of happiness. But finding that he could learn nothing 
from them respecting God, he gave himself up to re- 
tirement. In one of his retired walks, he met with 
an aged man, whose conversation was the means of 
his conversion. From this period till his death, he 
was a distinguished champion of the cross of Christ* 



40 



GENERAL STATE ©P THE CH¥RCH. [CENT. U. 



He acknowledged/ that the Christian religion pos- 
sessed a formidable majesty in its nature, adapted to 
terrify trangressors, as well as a sweetness, peace 
and serenity, for such as are experimentally acquaint- 
ed with its power. 

Having succeeded in his first Apology to Antoninus 
Pius, Justin now presented a second to Marcus Anto- 
ninus Philosophus. This he did, with an expectation 
©f softening his mind toward the Christians, as he had 
done that of his predecessor. But in vain ; his unre- 
lenting heart could not be softened even by the pow- 
erful reasonings of Justin. 

He and several others, were seized, committed to 
prison, and having boldly affirmed their belief in the 
Christian religion, were whipped and afterward be- 
headed. Thus slept in Jesus, Justin the Christian 
philosopher, in the year 163. 

Justin was the first character, subsequent to the 
Apostles, who added, to an unquestionable zeal and 
love for the gospel, the character of a man of learn- 
ing and philosophy. He examined the various philo- 
sophic sects, not for the purpose of amusement and 
ostentation, but to find out God, and in God true hap- 
piness. He tried, and he found them all wanting. 
He then sought God in the gospel ; and there he found 
him, confessed him, gave up every thing for him, was 
satisfied with his choice, and died in serenity. 

His house was open for the instruction of all, who 
consulted him, though he seems never to have assu- 
med the ecclesiastical character. 

It is certain, that Justin worshipped Christ as the 
true God, in the full and proper sense of the word. 
And from his writings, we learn, that the great body 
of Christians, in the second century, held the proper 
Deity of Jesus Christ. 

Another distinguished character, that suffered mar- 
tyrdom during, the persecution of Marcus Antoninus, 
was Poly carp, Bishop of Smyrna. 



CENT. II.] GENERAL STATEOF THE CHURCH. 41 

He h^d been familiarly conversant with the Apos- 
tles, andieceived the government of the church from 
those who had been eye witnesses and ministers of 
our Lord. He suffered martyrdom in the year 167, 
haying labored in the vineyard of Christ more than 
seventy years. 

Being at Rome at the time the heresy of Marcioi> 
was prevalent in that city, he zealously and success- 
fully bore testimony against it. These heretics held 
that Christ had no real manhood, rejected the Old 
Testament, and mutilated the New. But it was not 
in their power to undermine the authority of this 
venerable Asiatic. To procure a seeming coalition, 
was all that Marcion could expect. Meeting Poly- 
carp one day in the street, he called out to him, 
u Polycarp, own us." " I do own thee," said the 
zealous Bishop, " to be the first born of Satan." 

We have only a shofT^m^ int of the life of Poly- 
carp ; but there is a letter extan^jodtten in the 
name of his church, in which we have a particular 
account of his death, and of others who suffered with 
him. 

Of the martyrs, they say, u Doubtless their mag- 
nanimity, their patience, their lo\ r e of the' Lord, 
deserve the admiration of every one, who, though 
torn with whips till the frame and structure of their 
bodies were laid open, even to their veins and arte- 
ries, yet meekly endured ; so that those, who stood 
around, pitied them and lamented. But such was 
their fortitude, that none uttered a sigh or a groan, 
evincing to us all, that at that hour the martyrs of 
Christ, though tormented, were absent as it were' 
from the body, or rather, that the Lord.being present, 
conversed familiarly with them ; and they, supported 
by the grace of Christ, despised the torments of this 
world; by one hour, redeeming themselves from 
eternal punishment. And the fire of savage tormen- 
tors was cold to them ; for they had ; steadily in vj e ^ v 
4* 



42 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. II, 

a desire to avoid that fire, which is eternal, and never 
to be quenched." 

Polycarp, heating of the distressing scenes trans-, 
acted in Smyrna, remained unmoved ; but through the 
entreaties of his people, he retired to a village not 
far from the city. The persecutors went in pursuit 
of him, and having seized one of his servants, compel- 
led him, by torture, to confess the place of his mas- 
ter's retreat. Polycarp, being informed that they 
had arrived to apprehend him, replied with great 
composure, " The will of the Lord be done." He 
immediately presented himself before them ; conver- 
sed with them, ordered meat and drink to be placed 
before them, and then requested an hour to pray 
without molestation. His request being granted, he 
prayed two hours, to the astonishment of all who 
heard him. So heavenly was his appearance, that 
many of his persecutor&repented that they had come 
to apprehend hiij*? lM ""U hen he had ceased praying, 
they set him on an ass' and conducted him to Smyrna. 
By means of blows and other cruel treatment, they 
endeavored to persuade him to renounce Christ. The 
proconsul addressing him, said, " Reproach Christ, 
and swear by the fortune of Cassar, and I will release 
you." Polycarp replied, " Eighty-six years have I 
"served Christ, and he has never wronged me ; how 
can I blaspheme my King who has saved me ?" 
Another, threatening, says, " I will tame your spirit 
with fire, unless you repent." " You threaten me 
with fire," replied Polycarp, '" which burns for a 
moment, but are ignorant of the future judgment, and 
the fire of eternal punishment reserved for the un- 
godly." It being then proclaimed in the city, that 
Polycarp had professed himself a Christian ; they 
unanimously exclaimed ." he shall be burnt alive." 
Fuel was immediately collected, and he being bound, 
and the usual appendages of^ burning placed about 
him, he prayed aloud, and was filled with such con- 



CEST. II.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 43 

Science, that joy and grace evidently ^ho.ie in his 
countenance. Having distinctly pronounced ' Amen, 5 
the fire was kindled ; but not immediately affecting 
him, a sword was plunged into his body, and he thrown 
into the fire, and consumed. Nothing remained but 
his bones, over which his friends wept and rejoiced. 

Let those who are content with a cold rationality 
in religion, ask themselves, how they could endure 
what Polycarp did; and whether that, which is false- 
ly called enthusiasm, be not really and solidly divine. 

The flame of Antoninus' persecution, which consu- 
med Ignatius and Polycarp, was not confined to Asia, 
but extended to France, and Germany, and raged 
with dreadful fury in the cities of Vienna and Lyons. 

The sufferings which the Christians here endured, 
surpass the power of language. Every torture, 
which the rage of men and devils could invent, was 
inflicted upon them. "We are not competent," say 
the writers of these events, ™ to describe, with accu- 
racy, nor is it in our power to express the greatness 
of the affliction sustained here by the saints, the in- 
tense animosity of the Heathen against them, and the 
complicated sufferings of the blessed martyrs. The 
grand enemy attacked us with all his power ; and in 
his first assault, exhibited intentions of exercising 
malice without limits and without control. But the 
grace of God fought for us, preserving the weak and 
exposing the strong ; who, like pillars, were able to 
withstandjiiin with patience, and to draw the whole 
fury of the wicked against themselves. The first 
attack upon the Christians, was from the people at 
large. Shouts, blows, the dragging of their bodies, 
the plundering of their goods, casting of stones, and 
the confining of them within their own houses, and all 
the indignities of a fierce and outrageous multitude 
were magnanimously sustained." 

A particular account, of the sufferings of a few. 
must serve as a specimen for the whole* 



44 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. II 

One Sanctus, a deacon of Vienna, sustained;, in a 
manner more than human, the most barbarous indigni- 
ties ; and while the impious vainly hoped to extort 
from him something injurious to the gospel, to every 
interrogation he answered, u I am a Christian. 5 ' 
This, he said, was to -him both name, and state, and 
race, and every thing ; and nothing else could the 
Heathen draw from him. Hence the indignation of 
the governor was excited, -and he was tortured with 
the most unrelenting fury. Having exhausted all- 
their usual methods, the barbarians at last, scorched 
his body by fixing brazen plates to its most tender 
parts. Still he remained inflexible, firm in his con- 
fession — being bedewed with the refreshing waters 
that flow from the fountain of heavenly consolation'. 
His body witnessed, Indeed, the ghastly tortures 
which he had sustained, being e*ie continued wound 
and bruise -/altogether contracted,; and no longer re- 
taining the form of a human creature. These cruel- 
ties he endured with such patience and fortitude, as to 
confound his enemies, and evince to Christians, that 
nothing is to be feared, where the love of the Father 
is found, nothing is painful, where the glory of Christ is 
exhibited, nothing is sorrowful, where the Holy Ghost 
distils its heavenly rejoicings. 

After some days, the persecutors renewed his tor- 
tures, imagining, that a fresh application of the same 
methods of punishment to his wounds, now swollen 
and inflamed, must either overcome his constancy, or, 
by despatching him on the spot, strike a terror to the 
resU This was so far from being the case, that con- 
. trary to all expectation, his body recovered its natural* 
position in the second course of torture ; he was. res-* 
tored to his former shape and the use .of his limbs ;« so 
that, by the grace of Christ, it proved not a punish- 
ment, but a cure. After a few days, he underwent 
another course of tortures ; during which he remain- 
ed firm in the faith, and not a word could be extorted 



CENT. II.] GENERAL STATE OP THE CHURCH. 45 

from him besides his first confession. Having sus- 
tained the rage of his tormentors for many days, he 
at length expired in full prospect of a glorious immor- 
tality. 

Females, at this time, distinguished themselves by 
a patient course of suffering. One, by the name of 
Blandina, being tied to a stake, was, for a considerable 
time, exposed to the wild beasts. The Heathen then 
commanded her to swear by their idols. On refusing, 
her tortures were aggravated by all sorts of methods, 
and the whole round of barbarity was inflicted. But 
menaces and punishments were equally ineffectual. — 
Having with the greatest patience and fortitude endu-* 
red stripes, tearing of beasts, and the iron chair, she 
was finally enclosed in a net and thrown to a wild beast. 
Being tossed by the animal for some time, she at 
length, in faith, hope, and Christian triumph, breath- 
ed out her soul. 

Many others, they tormented to death, in the same 
cruel manner. And lest any should perform for them 
funeral rites, they collected the relics of their bodies, 
and preserved them for a number of days, by a milita- 
ry guard. They then burnt them, and scattered their 
ashes into the Rhine ; imagining that by this means, 
they should prevent their resurrection. u Now let 
us see," they triumphantly said, " if they will rise 
again, and if their God can help them and deliver 
them out of our hands.' 5 

The power of divine grace, in the church at Lyons, 
appears little less than apostolical. We are constrain- 
ed to observe the difference between primitive Chris- 
tianity, and that affectation of rational divinity too pre- 
valent at the present day. Christ's kingdom, in the 
narrative before us, appears spiritual and divine. — 
Christians are humble, meek, heavenly minded, pa- 
tient under sufferings, and continually sustained with 
aid invisible. 



46 GENERAL STATE OE THE GHVKGH, [CENT. IjL 

While we are led to admire the wisdom and goodness 
of God in preserving the great body of professed Chris- 
tians, during this century, firm in the faith, purity, and 
order of the gospel, we have to lament the continuance 
of heretical sentiments. The same opposition to the 
Divinity of Christ, and the same insidious methods of 
depreciating and abusing the doctrines of grace, con- 
tinued in this century, which discolored the appear- 
ance of the church in the first. There was, however, 
this difference ; they were now multiplied, varied, 
complicated, and refined by endless subtleties and 
fancies. Like spots in the sun, they vanished from 
time to time, and then revived again, in different 
forms, and under different circumstances. 

Many in this period, attempted to incorporate phi- 
losophy with Christianity, and contended, that all reli- 
gions, whether vulgar or philosophical, Grecian, Bar- 
barian, Jewish, or Gentile, meant essentially the same 
thing. By allegorizing and subtilizing various fables 
and systems, they pretended to form a coalition of all 
sects and religions, and endeavored to persuade men 
to look upon the Jew, the philosopher, the vulgar Pa- 
gan, and the Christian, as believing, essentially,, the 
same creed. But not one of the heretics of this cen- 
tury was able to create a strong and permanent inter- 
est ; and through the abounding grace of God the 
church preserved itself distinct, and maintained its 
discipline with apostolic purity. 



CSM TUBLY III. 
CHAP. I. 

CHRISTIAN AUTHORS*%F THIS CENTURY. 

Before we proceed to the orderly course of events 
in this century, we shall give some account of authors, 
belonging to the last century, who died not far from 
the commencement of this. We meet with four ce- 
lebrated men of this description, Irenseus, Tertullian, 
Pantasnus, and Clemens of Alexandria. 

The place of Irenaeus' birth is uncertain. His 
name, however, points him out to be a Grecian. His 
instructors in Christianity were Papias, Bishop of 
Hierapolis, and the renowned Polycarp. 

In the year 169 he succeeded Pothinus in the Bish- 
opric of Lyons. Never did a pastor endure greater 
trials. Violent persecution without, and subtle here- 
sies within, called for the exertion of consummate 
dexterity, and magnanimous resolution. Irenasus pos- 
sessed a large share of both, which enabled him 
bravely to endure the storm. But heresy proved & 
more constant enemy, than persecution. Its multi- 
plication in endless refinements, induced him to issue 
a publication, in which he confuted the heretics. 

Having, for nearly forty years, advocated the cause 
of truth, and endured innumerable conflicts and suffer- 
ings, he was finally put to death under the persecu- 
■ tion of Severus. So great was the number of mar- 
tyrs, at this time, that the streets of Lyons flowed 
with the blood of Christians. 

Irenasus, like Justin Martyr, appears to have ob- 
scured some of the doctrines of the gospel, by incor- 



48 TERTULLIAN. [CENT. III. 

porating with them philosophy and human inventions. 
But in the great and essential points, he was full, 
scriptural, and explicit 

His writings afford a valuable testimony to the in- 
fluences of the Holy Spirit, and to. the native energy 
©f divine truth on the hearts of illiterate men. 

TERTULLIAN. 

We shall now have occasion to advert to the state 
ef Christianity in the Roman province of Africa. — 
This whole region, once the scene of Carthageniaa 
greatness, abounded with Christians in the second 
century. But of the means, by which the gospel was 
there first introduced, and the proceedings of the first 
planters, we have no account. 

In the latter part of the second century, and in the 
beginning of the third, flourished in Carthage the fa- 
mous Teriullian, the first Latin author in the church, 
whose writings have been transmitted to posterity. — 
Were it not for some light, which he throws on the 
state of Christianity at this early period, he would not 
deserve particular notice. It is highly probably, that 
superstition and the subtle spirit of self-righteousness, 
had taken deep root in the African churches at this 
time ; otherwise, Tertullian's writings would not 
have rendered him so popular among them. 

The Montanists, a sect noted for their extreme 
austerities, and uncommon enthusiasm', seduced the 
severe Tertuliian. He not only joined them, but 
wrote in their defence, and treated the whole body of 
Christians, from whom he separated, with the utmost 
contempt. Error, however, is very' inconstant. He 
soon deserted the Montanists, and established a sect 
of his own, called Tertullianists, which continued in 
Africa till the time of Augustine! ; by whose labors 
they were, as a sect, annihilated. But it belongs not 
to us to condemn a man as irreligious, who certainly 



CENT. III. J PANTXNUS. 49 

honored the cause of Christ, defended some of the 
fundamental doctrines of the gospel, laboriously ex- 
erted himself to support what he considered true re- 
ligion, and ever seemed desirous to serve God. 

Tertullian declared his full belief in the personality 
and divinity of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit ; and 
observes that the doctrine of the Trinity obtained, from 
the beginning of the Gospel, antecedent to all heresy. 
From his writings we may form some idea of the 
faith, purity, heavenly mindedness, and patience un- 
der sufferings, for which the primitive Christians 
were renowned. 

u - While our hands," he says, " are stretched out 

unto God, let crosses suspend us, let fire consume us, 

let swords pierce us, let wild beasts trample upon us, 

have nothing to fear ; a praying Christian is in a 

frame to endure every thing." 

pant.e:%us. 

One of 'the most respectable cities, within the pre- 
cincts of the Roman empire, was Alexandria, the me- 
iis of Egypt. The gospel was planted here by 
vSt. Mark. Of the first Pastors of this church, and of 
the work of God among them, we have no account. 
Our first distinct information presents the church in 
an inauspicious light. The Platonic Philosophers 
v^ho ruled the taste of the city, and piqued themselves 
on theirlsrttdition, exceedingly corrupted the gospel, 
by combining with if human inventions. 

It is believed that from the time of St. Mark, a 

Christian cathechetical school was maintained here. 

Whether it were so or not, Panta3nus was the first 

master of it, of whom we have any account. He was 

ably a Jew, and much attached to the sentiments 

of the Stoics ; and by combining their doctrines with 

Christianity, he exceedingly corrupted it. For ten 

ars he laboriously discharged the office of a reli- 

5 



O® CLEMENS ALEXANDRINUS. [CENT. III. 

gious instructor; and thou gb his philosophical err«rs 
east a shade over his character, it appears, that he 
taught the essential doctrines of the gospel, and was 
a real follower of Christ. 

From Alexandria he was sent to India to preach 
the gospel, and there endured innumerable hardships. 
Of the particular success of his labors, we have no 
account. He returned to Egypt, resumed his office 
as a catechist, and died soon after the coimiieiiceiiient 
of the third century. 

CLEMENS OF ALEXANDRIA. 

Clemens was a scholar of Pantaenus, and of the 
same philosophical cast of mind. 

He succeeded his master in the catechetical school, 
and finally was appointed presbyter in the church of 
^ Alexandria. During the persecution of Severus he 
retired into the East, and formed a peculiar intimacy 
with Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem. From Jerusa- 
lem he went to Antioch and afterwards returned to his 
charge at Alexandria. The time of his death is un- 
certain. 

A few quotations from his writings will evince his 
belief in the fundamental doctrines of grace. 

"Jesus Christ, who from all eternity was the 
Word of God, always had a compassionate tenderness 
for wen; and at last took their nature upon him, to 
free them from the slavery of demons ; to open the 
eyes of the blind, unstop the ears of the deaf, to'guide 
I their feet in the ways of righteousness, to deliver 
them from death and hell, and to bestow upon them 
everlasting life." u Eternal salvation," he says, 
u cannot otherwise be expected, and eternal torments 
cannot otherwise be avoided, than by believing in 
Jesus Christ, and living conformably to his laws." 
u God made himself man, to teach men to be like 
unto God. Believe, therefore, in one God, who is 
God and man, and receive eternal salvation as a re- 
compense. Seek God, and you shall live forever," 



CHAP. IT 

GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH IN THE THIKP 
CEXTl'RV, AND THE LIFE OF CYPRIAN. 

This century commenced during the reign of Se- 
vern*, a most virulent persecutor of the Christians, 
It was under his reign and by his authority, that the 
streets of Lyons at the close of the last century, flow- 
ed with the blood of Christians. 

Through the influence and kindness of one Proeu- 
lus, lie for ci number of years treated the Christians 
with lenity. But in the tenth year of his reign; A. D. 
802, his native ferocity burst oat afresh, and a severe 
storm of persecution was raised against the church. 

Sever us had just returned victorious from an expe- 
dition into the East, and in the pride of prosperity, 
he was induced to forbid the propagation of the gos- 
pel. Christians still believed it right to obey God 
rather than man. Of course the persecution raged, 
with dreadful violence, throughout the Roman em- 
pire, and particularly at Alexandria. From various 
parts of Egvpt, Christians were brought to this city 
and executed for the faith of Jesus. Among this 
Dumber was Leonidas, father of the famous Origen. 
Multitudes now suffered martyrdom, and young Origen 
panted for the honor, and needlessly exposed himself 
to danger. His mother, at 
his imprudent zeal by ean 

ceiving that he was still determined on suffering with 
his father, who was closely confined, she then exer- 
cised her authority by confining him to the house, and 
concealing from him his apparel. The vehement spi- 
rit of Origen, when he could do nothing else, prompted 
him to address a letter to his father, in which he thus 
exhorts him. " Father, faint not, and do not be con 



52 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CEIST. III. 

cerned on our account." .He had been carefully in- 
structed iii the study of the Scriptures, under the in- 
spection of his pious father. His penetrating genius 
led him carefully to investigate the sense of Scrip- 
ture, and to propose questions to his father, which 
were beyond his ability to solve. 

We seem to discover in the very beginning of Ori- 
gen, the foundation of that presumptuous spirit, which 
finally led him to philosophize so dangerously on the 
Christian religion. Never content with plain truth, 
he looked for something singular and extraordinary ; 
though, it must be acknowledged, thai his sincere de- 
sire of serving God appeared from early life. 

His father dying a martyr, he was left an orphan at 
the age of seventeen. He then vigorously applied 
himself to the improvement of his understanding ; and 
having, as it seems, acquired all the learning his 
masters could give him, he undertook the business of 
catechising at Alexandria. 

In the heat of the persecution, he distinguished 
himself by his attachment to the martyrs, visited 
those, who were fettered in deep dungeons, was pre- 
sent with them after their condemnation, attended 
them to the place of execution, openly embracing and 
saluting them. x4s the persecution daily increased, it 
seemed impossible, humanly speaking, for Origen to 
escape. He could no longer pass in safety through 
the streets of Alexandria, often exchanged lodgings, 
and was every where pursued ; yet his instructions 
were the means of great good, and his zeal incited 
numbers to attend to Christianity. 

The charge of the school at Alexandria was now* 
committed to him alone. He converted it wholly into 
a school of religious instruction, maintaining himself 
by the sale of the profane books, which he had for- 
merly studied. Not only the day, but the greater 
part of the night was devoted to religious improve- 
ments ; and he conscientiously practised, \vith literal 



,CENT. III. ] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHUKCH. 53 

i 

exactness, our Lord's injunctions of not having two 
coats, nor shoes, nor providing for futurity. He was 
familiar with cold, nakedness and poverty ; refused to 
receive the gratuities of friends, and was so abste- 
mious as to endanger his life. Thus he lived, for 
many years, an amazing monument of industry and 
self-denial. Many imitated his excessive austerities, 
and some of his followers suffered martyrdom. 

A number of persons, at Carthage, were seized 
during this persecution. Among them was Yivia Per- 
petua, a lady of quality. Her father, who was a 
Pagan, went to his daughter, tenderly embraced her, 
fell upon his knees before her, entreated her to have 
pity on her infant son, have pity on her aged father, 
renounce Christianity, and lire. Though torn with 
filial affection, she could afford him no consolation, 
but simply to wish him to acquiesce in the divine will. 
They were all examined, and having affirmed their 
faith in Jesus, they were added to the long list of 
martyrs, and received their everlasting reward. 

The power of God appeared evidently displayed, 
during the course of this dreadful persecution, in the 
sudden and wonderful conversions of several persons, 
who voluntarily suffered death for that doctrine which 
they before detested. 

Severus extended the persecution to Gaul, at which 
time, Irenaeus and many others suffered ; and the 
streets of Lyons were once more stained with the blood 
of martyrs. 

In the year 211 this tyrant, after a reign of eighteen 
years, was called to render up his final account. His 
son and successor was Caracalla. Though he was a 
monster of wickedness, yet, owing to some prejudice 
of education, he had a predilection in favor of the 
Christians, and suffered the church to enjoy a season 
of tranquility. During the seven years and six months 
in which he reigned, the Christians found him a friend 
and protector. If we except the short and turbulent 
5* 



54 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. III. 

interval of Maximums, this calm of the church con- 
tinued thirty-eight years. 

In the year 214 Macrinus succeeded Caracalla, 
and reigned only one year. He was succeeded by 
Heliogabalus, who was slain after having swayed the 
sceptre three years and nine months. His follies 
and vices are infamous ; yet he was favorably incli- 
ned towards the Christians. He was succeeded by 
his cousin Alexander, who was one of the best moral 
characters in profane history. He countenanced the 
Christians ; and the providence of God, not only secu- 
red his church from suffering, but provided for it a 
favorable patron. 

In the year 235 Alexander was murdered, and his 
murderer usurped the empire. His malice against 
the bouse of Alexander induced him to persecute the 
Christians. But the tyrant's reign lasted only two 
years ; in which time the rest of the world tasted his 
ferocity as much as the Christians. His persecutions 
were local and his cruelties to all mankind insatiable. 
After two or three revolutions in government, Phi- 
lip, an Arabian, having murdered Gordian, succeeded 
to the empire. He began to reign in the year 244. 
Eusebius tells us, that he was a Christian. But he 
was only so by profession. He enjoyed the fruit of 
his crimes five years ; he was then slain, and suc- 
ceeded by Decius. 

During the reigns of these two last mentioned em- 
perors, Origen was very conspicuous. He was noti- 
ced by the great, the good and the learned. His 
fiame was sounded through the world as a man of su- 
perior abilities and acquirements. These were uni- 
ted with much ambition, and a boundless curiosity. 

A little before the death of Decius, Cyprian was 
chosen Bishop of Carthage. After the fatigue of tra- 
cing the glimmerings of piety through this declining 
period, it will not be amiss to recreate ourselves 
with the contemplation of a character, which exhibits 
the sunshine of vital godliness. 



CENT. III!] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 5o 

Cyprian was professor of oratory in the city of Car- 
thage ; and was a man of wealth, quality, and dignity. 
His conversion was not far from the year 246. The 
whole scene of his Christian life was only thirteen 
years. But God can do great things in a short time. 
He seems to have been led on, with vast rapidity, by 
the effectual operation of the Holy Spirit, and happily, 
in a great measure, at least, to have escaped the 
shoals and quicksands of false learning and self conceit. 
There appeared in Cyprian a spirit, at once, so sim- 
ple, so zealous, and so intelligent, that in two years 
after his conversion he was chosen Bishop of Carthage. 
It was no feigned virtue, that raised him thus in the 
opinion of mankind. The love of Christ evidently 
preponderated in him, in opposition to all secular con- 
siderations. The widow, the orphan, and the poor, 
found in him a sympathizing benefactor, and an unfail- 
ing friend. With painful emotions, he perceived the 
designs of the people to choose him Bishop. He re- 
tired to avoid their solicitations ; but his house was 
besieged ; and he at length yielded to accept the pain- 
ful pre-eminence. 

A few extracts from his letters will shew the real- 
ity of his conversion. 

" "While I lay in darkness and the night of Paganism, 
and when I fluctuated, uncertain and dubious, with 
wandering steps in the sea of a tempestuous age, ignc- 
rant of my own life, alienated from light and truth, it 
appeared to me, a harsh and difficult thing, that a man 
should be born again ; and that, being animated with 
the love of regeneration by a new life, he should strip 
himself of what he was before ; though the body re- 
mained the same, he should, in his mind become alto- 
gether a new creature. How can so great a change 
be possible, said I, that a man should suddenly, and at 
' once, put oft" what nature and habit have confirmed in 
him ? But after the filth of my former sins had been 
irashed in the laver of regeneration, and divine light, 



56 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. III. 

from above, infused itself into my heart ; after the 
Holy Spirit from heaven had made me a new creature, 
immediately and in a surprising mariner, dubious things 
began to be cleared up, things once shut to be open- 
ed, and dark things to shine forth." 

"If you keep the road of innocence and righteous- 
ness, if you walk with footsteps that do not slide, if 
hanging with all your heart, and all your might on 
God, you be only what you have begun to be, you 
then find, that according to the proportion of faith, so 
will your attainments and enjoyments be. The Holy 
Spirit, poured forth profusely, is confined by no limits, 
is restrained by no barriers ; he flows perpetually ; 
he bestows in rich abundance." 

The reader will discover in the account here given, 
that the essential doctrines of justification and regen- 
eration were not only believed, but experienced by 
this zealous African. 

While Cyprian was laboring to recover the spirit 
of godliness among the African churches, Philip was 
slain, and succeeded by Decius.' His enmity toward 
the former emperor, together with his Pagan preju- 
dices, conspired to bring on the most dreadful perse- 
cution the church had experienced. 

Previous to this, a general declension from the spi- 
rit of Christianity had taken place. This declension was 
the most conspicuous about the middle of the third cen- 
tury, and was the first since the days of the Apostles. 

In such a situation, it was not to be expected that 
Cyprian's people would, in general, stand their ground ; 
avarice had taken such deep root among them, that 
vast numbers immediately lapsed into idolatry. Even 
before they were accused of being Christians, many 
ran to the forum, and sacrificed to the gods to prove 
themselves heathen. 

At Rome the persecution raged with unremitting 
violence ; and the flame continued to spread till the 
whole of Christendom was in one general conflagration. 



CENT. III. J GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 57 

Carthage soon became an unsafe place even to Cyp- 
rian himself. He knew the liberty which his divine 
Master had given to his people, of fleeing, when they 
were persecuted in one city, to another. He seems 
scarcely to have thought it lawful to do otherwise ; 
and therefore^ retired ,to some secret place, where 
he continued safe from the arm of persecution during 
two years. He was, however, never more'active, than 
during his retreat. Nothing, of moment, occurred in 
ecclesiastical affairs, either in Africa or Italy, with 
which he was not acquainted ; and his counsels, under 
God, were of the greatest : in both countries. 

During his retreat, Cyprian wrote repeatedly to 
the clergy at Carthage ; in which we see a primitive 
Pastor full of charity and meekness, z^al and pru- 
dence. He evinces the deep knowledge which he had 
of the depravity of the heart, shews the importance of 
good discipline in the church, and the danger of pride 
and self-exaUanon. He exhorts them to breathe out 
their souls to God in fastings, tears, and every method 
of supplication " Let us knock," said he, " because 
to him that knocketh it shall be opened, if only 
prayers, groans, and tears beat the doors. If the 
Lord see us humble and quiet, lovingly united, and 
corrected by the present tribulation, he will deliver 
us." 

The persecution of Carfnage appeared very dread- 
ful ; but mostly so, on account of the number of apos- 
tates. But in Cyprian and a few other Christians, faith, 
patience and magnanimity, appeared in full exercise. 

The persecutors endeavored to lessen the number of 
Christians, by banishing those who had confessed Christ; 
but this not answering their purpose, they proceeded 
to cruel torments. Cyprian, hearing that some had ex- 
pired under their sufferings, and that others were still 
in prison, wrote to the latter an epistle full of encour- 
agement and consolation. Their limbs had been cru- 
elly mangled, and torn, and appeared like one continu- 



58 GENERAL STATS OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. III. 

ed wound, vet they remained firm in the faith and 
love of Jesus. 

So keenly was the mind of Cyprian set on heavenly 
things, and so completely lifted above the world, that 
lie ardently exulted, and triumphed In those scenes of 



rrr .» 



as wiping away the tears of the cfeurch, while she was 
bewailing the rain of her sons. Even Christ himself 
he describes, as looking down with complacency, fight- 
ing and conquering in his servants, giving to believers 
as much strength as they have faith to bear. 

The joy of Cyprian on account of the faithfulness of 
the martyrs, must have been considerably damped, by 
the disorderly conduct which began to take place in 
his absence., The lapsed Christians offered them- 
selves to the presbyters of Carthage, who admitted 
them to the Lord's supper, without evidence of their 
repentance. Other circumstances evince, that a spi- 
rit extremely dangerous to piety, humility, and whole- 
some discipline, was spreading fast in the African 
^lurches. 

Cyprian wrote to the lapsed, rebuking the precipi- 
tancy of some, and commending the modesty of others. 

The Roman clergy wrote a letter of condolence to 
Cyprian. They also wrote to the lapsed, giving them 
the most wholesome advice. And in truth, their whole 
conduct reflects the highest honor on their wisdom and 
charity ; and affords the most pleasing proofs of the 
good state of the church at Rome, at that time. 

In addition to the evils already mentioned, Provi- 
dence now saw fit to exercise the mind of Cyprian with 
another calamity ; the rise of a schism. One of the 
most turbulent characters, at this time, was Novatian. 
Having stirred up a general indignation against the 
Bishops in Africa, for their severity to the lapsed, he 
went to Rome, and there supported a party, who 
complained of too much lenity ; and defended the two 
extremes with equal pertinacity and success. At Rome 



CE^T. Ill*] GENERAL -TATE OF THE CHURCH. 59 

ho obtained the office of a Bishop, iuid was ordained, 

in a very regular manner. Thus was. formed a body 

. who sept a the geu- 

church, not on ace ioctriue, but oiscipiiae. 

At length the persecution subsided, aiul Cyprian 
ventured out of; his retreat and relumed tq Carthage*. 

U was not the cessation of .malice, but the disli ac- 
tion • edi- 
tion of Decias. The is obliged 
hii:i to leave Rome, and God gave a birthing time 

i Cyprian's return, a council was held at Carthage j 

he purpose of settling the confused suae of the 

chuixii. The case of the iapbed was determined, ■ .d 

with men who ieared God, it was hq bard matte i to 

a due medium ; the cd^e « i f dubious charae- 

ferred ] yet e\t v method of Christian 

ity was used to facilitate lhetr iebi oration, Ca*- 

tha^e assumed a new aspect, and ive chinch in that 

e, was purified, strengthened, and enlarged. 

, ileal innovations *ad occasioned serious clif- 

Ities at Rome. Cynwau assisted in removing \L: s 

i degree of union was restoi 

i;,- his life in battle in the year 25K having 

years and six months. His successor 

Gallus, who for a short time allpwed peace t$ 

the churches. 

THE ErrV.C'i VS PERSECUTION IN THE 

LAS'iu^A CriLJiMpii. 

The Eastern and Western churches were, at this 

. divided by the Greek and R marl language ; 

though cemented by the common bond of the Re 

gove ••"}' L - ie coig^non salvation. 

The Gk - (1 

lexahder its Bishop, out 

i prison, and breathed oat nis 

soui under nent. 



60 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH.' [CENT. Ill, 

In this persecution, the renowned Origen suffered 
the most unrelenting cruelty. Bonds, torments, a dun- 
geon, the pressure of an iron chair, the distention of his 
feet for many days, the threats of burning and other 
evils, he endured with Christian fortitude. " 1A hat 
words he uttered on these occasions, and how useful 
to those, who need consolation, many of his epistles," 
s&ys Eusebius, u declare with no less truth, than ac- 
curacy." Were they now extant, more light might 
probably be thrown on the internal character of Ori- 
gen, in respect to experimental godliness, than is done 
by all his works, which remain. These shew the 
scholar, the philosopher, and the critic. Those would 
have shown the Christian. This great man died at 
the age of seventy y near the year 251. 

Dionysius was, at this time, Bishop of Alexandria, 
a person of great and deserved renown in the church. 
Decius sent an officer, with orders, to apprehend him. 
But he providentially failed, in his attempt to iind 
him. ; and thus, in a very remarkable manner, was 
this useful life preserved >o the church. 

Under the persecution of Decius, the Christians at 
Alexandria were threatened with utter destruction. 
The edict against them appeared so dreadful as to 
overcome, if it were possible, the very elect. All 
were astonished, and many through fear were induced 
to renounce Christianity. Some approached the un- 
holy altar,' pale and trembling, riot as though they 
were going to sacrifice, but. to be themselves the- vic- 
tims. They were afraid of death and affrighted at 
the crime of sacrificing. But the firm and stable pil- 
lars of the church, being upheld by the all-strengthen- 
ing baud of God, and having received vigor and courage 
correspondent to their unshaken faith, became admira- 
ble martyrs oi his, kingdom. They went to execution 
with ail. the marks of exultation, God triumphing in 
them, and thus preparing them for an immediate en- 
trance into his kingdom. Multitudes fled from their 



«ENT. III.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 61- 

home, wandering in deserts and mountains, and were 
there destroyed by famine and thirst, cold and disease^ 
robbers and wild beasts. 

Two things are evident from this narrative : Firsts 
that the persecution found the Eastern church as un- 
prepared for the storm as the Western. Long peace 
and prosperity had corrupted both ; and they had for- 
gotten that a Christian's life was that of a stranger. — 
The Decian persecution was, under God, at once a 
scourge and an antidote. Secondly, there still re- 
mained a competent number, who proved the truth of 
Christianity, and the power of divine grace accompa- 
nying it. The true church was not destroyed, but, like 
the palm-tree, flourished and triumphed amidst sur- 
rounding evils. 

Not only Alexandria, but other parts of the Eastern 
church suffered the- greatest violence. Swords, wild 
beasts, pits, red hot chairs, wheels to stretch the bo- 
dies, and talons to tear them, were the instruments in 
this persecution. Malice and covetousness were deep- 
ly set at work during this short but horrible reign ; 
and the genius of men was never known to have been 
more deeply engaged, in aiding the savageness of the 
heart. Life was prolonged in torture, that impatience 
in suffering might at length effect what surprise and 
terror could not. 

One Maxim us of Asia was brought before the pro- 
consul, and having been examined, entreated, and tor- 
tured, said, u These are not torments, which we suffer 
/or the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ ; they are whole- 
some unctions." 

All this time, the persecution raged in Egypt, with 
unremitting fury. In the lower Thebis there was a 
young man named Paul, to whom, at fifteen years of 
age, his parents left a great estate. He was a person 
of much learning, of a mild temper, and full of the 
love of God. He had a married sister with whom he 
lived. Her husband was base enough to design an in- 
formation against him, in order to obtain his estate.— - 
6 



Q2 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. ;(CENT. Ill, 

Paul having notice of this, retired to the desert moun- 
tains, where he waited till the persecution ceased. — 
Habit, at length made solitude agreeable to him. He 
found the desert a pleasant retreat, and lived there 90 
years. He was, at the time of his retirement, 23 ; and 
lived to be an 113 years old. This is the first distinct 
account of a hermit in the Christian church. The in- 
creasing spirit of superstition soon produced a number 
ef Pauls. The worst effect of it was, that those, who 
had only external religion, placed their righteousness 
in monastic austerities ; and thus, one of the strongest 
supports of false religion gra.dually arose in the Chris- 
tian world. 

And here we close the account of the Decian perse- 
cution. It cannot be denied, that for thirty months, the 
prince of darkness had full opportunity to glut his rage. 
But the Lord meant to chasten and to purify his church, 
not to destroy. The whole scene is memorable on seve- 
ral accounts. It was not a local or intermitting perse- 
cution, but universal ; and must have transmitted great 
numbers to the regions where sin and pain shall be 
no more. 

The peace of thirty years had corrupted the whole 
Christian atmosphere. The lightning of the Deciaia 
rage refined and cleansed it. No doubt the effects were 
salutary to the church. Without such a scourge exter- 
nal Christianity might have still spread, and internal 
have been no more. The survivors had an opportunity 
to learn what the gospel is, in the faithfulness of the 
martyrs ; and men were taught again, that he alone, 
w 7 ho strengthens Christians to suffer, can make true 
Christians. Yet the storm proved fatal to a number 
of individuals who apostatized, and Christianity was 
cleared of many false friends. Two other evils we 
have also seen. The formation of schisms, and of su- 
perstitious solitude, which had their date from the 
Decian persecution. 

Though Gallus, the successor of Decius, allowed the 
church a short calm, he soon began to disturb its peace 5 



CEKT. HI.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 63 

though not with the incessant fury of his predecessor. 
From Cyprian's letter to* Cornelius, it is evident that 
the persecution was severe, and that the Roman Chris- 
tians bore it with the most exemplary fortitudes In an- 
other letter, he arms the~ minds of the Christians a- 
gainst the discouragements, which the circumstances of 
approaching persecution, are apt to excite. u Whene* 
ver any one of the brethren shall be separated from the 
flock, let him not be moved at the horror of the flight, 
nor while he retreats and lies hid, be terrified at the 
solitude of the desert. He is not alone to whom Christ 
is a companion in flight. He is not alone, who, keeping 
the temple of God wherever he is, is not without God." 

Again, he says, " what a glorious day will come, 
when the Lord shall begin to recount his people, and to 
bestow on us the reward of faith and devotedness to him. 
What glory ! what joy ! to be admitted to see God, to 
be honored, to partake of the joy of eternal light and 
salvation with Christ the Lord your God ; to salute 
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the Patriarchs, and 
Prophets, and Apostles, and Martyrs ; to join with the 
righteous, and the friends of God,* in the pleasures of 
immortality. When that revelation shall come, when 
the beauty of God shall shine upon us, we shall be as 
happy, as the deserters and rebellious will be misera- 
ble in inextinguishable fire." Such are the views of 
the next life which Cyprian sets before Christians. — 
The palm of heavenly mindedness belonged to these 
persecuted saints. 

But to return to the history : Cornelius, bishop of 
Rome, was sent into banishment, and Lucius was cho- 
sen in his stead, and suffered death, near the year 252. 
He was succeeded by Stephen. 

The short reign of Gallus was distinguished by a long 
catalogue of human miseries ; one of which was a dread- 
ful pestilence, which broke out in Africa, daily carried 
off numberless persons, and swept away whole houses. 
The pagans were exceedingly alarmed, neglected the 
burial of the dead, and violated the duties of humanity. 



£4 ^GENERAL STATE ©F THE €HURCH. [CENT. Ill, 

The bodies of many lay in the streets of Carthage, and 
in vain, seemed to ask the pity of passengers. It was 
on this occasion that the Lord stirred up the spirit of 
Christians to shew the practical superiority of their re- 
ligion,' and Cyprian exhibited one of the most brilliant 
proofs of his real character. He gathered together his 
people, and expatiated on the subject of mercy. His 
eloquent voice had its usual effects on their minds. — 
The Christians ranked themselves into parties ; the 
rich contributed largely ; the poor gave what they could 
spare ; and all labored, with extreme hazard of their 
lives, to mitigate the public calamity. The pagans saw, 
with admiration, what the love of God in Christ can do ; 
and beheld, with shame, their own selfishness and in- 
feriority. 

This dreadful calamity gave Cyprian an opportunity 
of pressing on the minds of his people, a warm and active 
regard for the blessing of immortality , joined with an 
holy indifference to things below. He published, on this 
occasion, his short treatise on immortality. He, who 
wrote it, must have felt, what all need to feel ; how 
little a thing life is, and how valuable the prospect of 
heavenly bliss. We can only take a few extracts. 

" The kingdom of God, my dearest brethren, has be- 
gun to be just at hand. The reward of life, the joy of 
eternal salvation, perpetual gladness, and the. posses- 
sion of Paradise lately lost, come to us now as the world 
passes away ; heavenly things now succeed earthly, 
great things small, and eternal, those that are fading. 
What room is there here for anxiety and solicitude ? 
Who, amidst these things, is sad and disconcerted, un- 
less to whom faith and hope is wanting ?" 

Speaking of death, he says : " Let that man fear 
to die, who is not born of water and the Spirit, and is 
obnoxious to hell ; let them fear to die, who are not 
partakers of the cross and passion of Christ ; let him 
fear to die, who is to pass from the first to the second 
death, whom, receding from the world, eternal flames 
will torment with perpetual punishment ; let him fear 
to die, who gains by life only a delay of judgment;" 



CENT. III.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 65 

Soon after the appointment of Stephen to the Bish- 
opric of Rome, Gallus was slain, after a wretched 
reign of eighteen months, in the year 253. 

Under Valerian, the successor of Gailus, the church 
was allowed a longer truce than in the preceding reign. 
For upwards of three years, the people of God found in 
him a friend and protector ; his house was filled with 
Christians, and he had a strong predilection in their fa- 
vor. 

The Lord exercises his people in various ways. — 
There are virtues adapted to a state of prosperity, as 
well as adversity. The wisdom and love of God, which 
directed the late terrible persecution, are manifest in 
the fruits, which it produced. The face of Africa, 
which is now covered with Mahometan, idolatrous, and 
piratical wickedness, afforded, in those days, a very 
pleasing spectacle. By the fire of persecution it was 
cleansed from defilement, and made fruitful in good 
works. 

During the pacific part of Valerian's reign, in the 
year 253, a council was held at Carthage, composed of 
sixty-six Bishops, with Cyprian at their head. In this 
venerable assembly, a question arose, whether in- 
fants should be baptized immediately, or whether 
their baptism should be deferred until the eighth day. 
Here, in an assembly of sixty-six Pastors, men of 
approve:- gravity, who had stood the fiery 

trial of some of the severest persecutions ever known, 
and who had e to the Lord Jesus 

Christ, in a most striking manner, a question is brought, 
not whether 1 lould be baptized at all, a^ none 

contradicted this, but whether it is right to baptize 
them immediately, or on the eighth day. To ;t man 
they all determined to baptize them immediately. 
fc A letter from the Bishop of Lyons to Cyprian, shews 
that the gospel, which there began so gloriously in the 
second century, had spread, in France, to a 'very con- 
siderable degree. The same may be said with re- 
gard to the progress of the gospel in Spain, 
6* 



66 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. III. 

•About this time a controversy arose in the church, 
which reflects no honor on any of the parties concern- 
ed. The question was, whether persons, returning 
from heresy, should be baptized. Stephen, the Bish- 
op of Rome, and even the venerable Bishop of Car : 
thage, were at variance respecting it. Stephen main- 
tained, that if they were once baptized in the name of 
the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, it was sufficient. — 
Cyprian maintained, that the baptism of heretics was 
null and void. 

How weak, alas, is man. A peace of three years 
has set the church in a flame. How soon do we for- 
get that u the kingdom of God is not meat and drink ; 
but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." 
With what difficulty is the real love of Jesus, and 
the fruits of it preserved in the church. All this proves, 
in the strongest manner, how mighty, and gracious the 
Lord is, in still preserving a church in the earth ; 
how dark and corrupt man is, how active and subtle 
Satan is, how precious is that blood which cleanses 
from all sin, and how true is that book which contains 
such salutary doctrine, and so faithfully describes the 
misery of man ! How safely may its account of the 
way of salvation be rested on ! How pleasing the 
prospect it exhibits of the church above ! 

The change which took place in Valerian, is one of 
the most remarkable instances of the instability of hu- 
man characters. More than all his predecessors, he 
was disposed to exercise kindness toward the Chris- 
tians. His palace was full of the friends of Jesus, and 
his house was considered a sanctuary. Having reign- 
ed three years, he was induced by his favorite Maeria- 
nus to commence a deadly persecution. This man 
dealt largely in magical enchantments and abominable 
sacrifices ; he slaughtered children, and scattered the 
entrails of new born babes. The persecution of 
Christians was an object, worthy a mind so fascinated 
with diabolical wickedness and folly. He found, in 
Valerian, but too ready a disciple. The persecution 



CENT. III.] GENERAL STATE OP THE CHURCH. G7 

began in the year 257, and continued the remainder 
of his reign, three years and a half. 

Cyprian, who had escaped the two preceding per- 
secutions, was made a victim of this. His persecu- 
tion, however, was attended with circumstances of 
comparative lenity. He was seized by the servants 
of Paternus, the proconsul of Carthage, and brought 
into his council chamber. Having made some ineffec- 
tual attempts to work upon his fear, the proconsul 
pronounced against him the sentence of banishment. 
The place of his destination was Curubis, a small 
town fifty miles from Carthage. His situation du- 
ring the eleven months, he continued there, was ren- 
dered comfortable by the kind treatment of the citi- 
zens of Curubis, and the repeated visits which he 
received from Christian friends. 

While Cyprian was at Curubis, he heard that the 
persecutors had seized several Bishops, Priests, Dea- 
cons, a great number of the common people, and even 
children ; whom, after beating with sticks, they sent 
to work in the mines. His sympathizing spirit could 
not but be with his brethren ; and what he felt on this 
occasion is expressed in the following letter addressed 
to them. Having expressed much affection for them, 
and spoken of the glory of martyrdom, he says : u Let 
malice and cruelty fetter you as they please, quickly 
you will come from earth and its sorrows, to the king- 
dom of heaven. In those mines the body is not re- 
freshed by a bed ; but Christ is its consolation and 
trust. Your limbs, fatigued with labor, lie on the 
ground ; but to lie down with Christ is no punishment. 
Filth and dirt defile your limbs, void of the cleansing 
bath ; but you are inwardly washed from all unclean- 
ness. Your allowance of t>read is but scanty ; but 
man doth not live by bread alone, but by the word of 
God. You have no proper clothes to fence you from 
the cold ; but he, who has put on Christ, is clothed 
abundantly." He concludes, begging their earnest 
prayers, that he and they may be freed from the 



68 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. III. 

snares and darkness of the world ; that those, who, in 
the bonds of love and peace, had stood together against 
-the injuries of heretics, and the pressures of the hea- 
then, might together rejoice in celestial mansions. 

The Bishops returned him an answer full of affec- 
tion and gratitude, in which they acknowledge the pe- 
cuniary assistance which Cyprian had afforded them. 

In the year 280, Cyprian returned from exile, and 
lived in a garden, near Carthage, where he regulated 
the affairs of the church, and distributed to the poor 
the remnant of his property. 

The persecution, after a little interval, broke out 
afresh. Cyprian was again seized, and brought into 
the judgment hall Having commanded him to wor- 
ship the gods, but finding him inflexible, the proconsul 
said, " I pity your case, and could wish to consult for 
your safety." "I do not wish," said the prelate, 
" that things should be otherwise with me, than that 
adoring my God, I may hasten to him with all the ar- 
dor of my soul ; for the afflictions of this present world 
are not to be compared with the glory which shall be 
revealed." The proconsul, then reddening with an- 
ger, commanded him to be put to death. "God be 
praised," said the martyr ; and while they were lead- 
ing him away, a multitude of the people followed, and 
cried, " Let us die with our holy Bishop." They 
led him to a plain surrounded with trees, where, af- 
ter worshipping his God, he was beheaded. Thus 
after a variety of trials and exercises among friends, 
open enemies, and nominal Christians, by a death, 
more gentle than commonly fell to the lot of martyrs, 
he rested in Jesus. 

In pursuance of the cruel orders of Valerian, for 
carrying on the persecution, Sixtus, bishop of Rome, 
had been seized with seme of the clergy. While 
they were carrying him to execution, Laurentius, his 
chief deacon, followed him weeping, and said, " Whi- 
ther goest thou, father, without thy son ?" Sixtus 
said, " You shall follow me ia three days.^ 



. CENT.. III.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 69 

After Sixtus' death, the prefect of Rome, moved 
by an idle report of the immense riches of the Roman 
church, sent for Laurentius, and ordered him to de- 
liver them up. Laurentius replied, "Give me a 
little time to set every thing in order, and to take an 
account of each particular." The prefect granted 
him three days time. In this space, Laurentius col- 
lected all the poor who were supported hy the Ro- 
man church, and going to the prefect said, " Come, 
behold the riches of our God, you shall- see a large 
court full of golden vessels." The prefect followed 
him ; but seeing all the pcor people, he turned to 
Laurentius with looks full of anger. " What are you 
displeased at ?" said the martyr. " The gold, you so 
eagerly desire, is but a vile jaetal, taken out of the 
earth, and serves as an incitement to all sorts of 
crimes ; the true gold is that Light, whose disciples 
these poor men are. The misery of their bodies is 
an advantage to their souls ; sin is the true disease ; 
the great ones of the earth are the truly poor and 
contemptible. These are the treasures, which I 
promised you, to which I will add precious stones. 
Behold these virgins and widows ; they are the church's 
crown ; make use of these riches for the advantage of 
Rome, of the emperor, and yourself." "Do you 
mock me?" cries the prefect, "I know, you value 
yourself for contemning death, and therefore you shall 
noidie at once." He then caused him to be stripped, 
extended, and fastened to a gridiron, and in that man- 
ner to be broiled to death. When he had continued a 
considerable time on one side, he said, "Let me be 
turned, I am sufficiently broiled on one side." And 
when they had turned him, he said, "It is enough." 
Then looking up to heaven he prayed for the conver- 
sion of Rome, and expired. 

At Csesarea, in Cappadocia, a child, named Cyril, 
showed uncommon fortitude. He called on the name 
of Jesus Christ continually, nor could threats or blows 
prevent his owning Christianity. Many children, of 



^0 8ENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH, [CENT. Ill, 

his age, persecuted him ; and his own father drove" 
him out of his house, with the applause of many for 
his zeal in the support of paganism. The judge or- 
dered him to be brought before him, and said, u My 
child, I will pardon your faults, your father shall re- 
ceive you again ; it is in your power to enjoy your 
father's estate, provided you are wise and take care 
of your own interest." u I rejoice to bear your re- 
proaches," replied the child. " God will receive 
me ; I am glad that I. am expelled out of our house ; I 
shall have a better mansion. I fear not death, be- 
cause it will introduce me to a better life." Divine 
grace having enabled him to witness this good confes- 
sion, he w r as ordered to be bound, and led, as it were, 
Jo execution. The judge had given secret orders to 
bring, him back again, hoping that the sight of the fire 
might overcome his resolution. Cyril remained in- 
flexible. The humanity of the judge induced him 
still to continue his remonstrances. " Your fire, and 
your sword," said the young martyr, " are insignift* 
cant. I go to a better house, and more excellent riches; 
despatch me presently, that I may enjoy them." 
The s-pectators wept through compassion. u You 
should rather rejoice," said he, " in conducting me to 
my punishment. You know not, what a city I am going 
to inhabit, nor what is my hope.' 5 Thus he went to 
his death, and was the admiration of the whole city. 

Bionysius, of Alexandria, whom divine Providence 
had so remarkably preserved in the Decian persecu- 
tion, lived to suffer much also in this, but not to death. 
His epistles throw some light on the effects of Vale- 
rian's persecution in Egypt. He says, referring to 
those who had been seized, " There were men, and 
women, young and old, soldiers and vulgar persons, of 
all sorts and ages. Some, after stripes and fire, 
were crowned victors ; some, immediately by the 
sword ; and others, after a short and severe torture, 
became acceptable sacrifices unto the Lord." 



C£NT. III.] GENERAL STATE OT THE CHURCH. 71 

Having persecuted the church for three years, Va- 
lerian was taken prisoner by Sapor, king of Persia, 
who detained him the rest of his life, made use of his 
neck when he mounted his horse, and at length, caus- 
ed him to be flayed and salted. This event belongs 
to secular, rather than church history ; but as it is 
perfectly well attested, it cannot but strike the mind 
of any one that fears God. Valerian had known and 
respected the Christians ; his persecution must, there- 
fore, have been a sin against much light ; and it is 
common for Providence to punish such in a very ex- 
emplary manner. 

The church was restored to rest after Valerian's 
captivity. Gallienus, his son and successor, in other 
respects no reputable emperor, proved a sincere 
friend to Christians, put a stop to the persecution, and 
had the condescension to send letters of licence for the 
Bishops to return to their pastoral charges. 

We behold now a new scene ; Christians legally 
tolerated under Pagan government. The example of 
Gallienus was followed by succeeding emperors to 
the end of the century, violated only in one instance, 
the effect of which was presently dissipated by the 
hand of Providence. This is not a season for the 
growth of grace and holiness ; in no time, since the 
Apostles, was there so great a decay ; nor can we 
shew much, if any, lively Christianity in all this period. 
The greatest luminary in the church at this time 
was Bionysius of Alexandria. Speaking of the Sa~ 
beliian heresy, which now made its appearance, b* 
calls it impious doctrine, blasphemy against the Al- 
mighty God, infidelity concerning his Son, and sense- 
less igiiorahce of the Holy Ghost. 

On Diooysius' return to Alexandria, he found it in- 
volved i . civil war, bloodshed, plagues, and* diseases. 
In this Season of lamentation and woe, the return of 
such a 1 as an unspeakable consolation. Ha- 

ving lis people ki their afflicted state, il- 

lustrated trutli, ai>d :• ■ sed the innovations of here- 



52 Cffi'ffEfcAL STATE €>F ffifi CIIURCK. [CENT. Ill > 

tics, he died in the year 284, having held the see of 
Alexandria seventeen years. There are in Dionysius 
the strongest marks of unquestionable good sense, and 
moderation, as well as of genuine piety. 

Gall ienu shaving reigned fifteen years, was succeed- 
ad by Claudius, who, after reigning two years, was suc- 
ceeded by Aurelius. Under him a second council was 
convened concerning Paul of Samosata, who had taught 
that Jesus Christ was only a common man. Intolera- 
ble corruptions appeared both in his doctrine and prac- 
tice. AH the Bishops agreed to his dismission and ex- 
clusion from the church. No fact in church history is 
more certain than this ; and from the whole account 
(which we have not room to insert) the demonstration 
is clear, that Socinianism, in the year 269, was not suf- 
fered to exist within the pale of the Christian church. 
Aurelian had hitherto been the friend of Christians ; 
but Pagan superstition and its abettors, drove him, at 
length, into measures of persecution ; and Christians 
were in full expectation of the most sanguinary mea- 
sures, when his death prevented the execution of his 
iiiiquitoiis designs. He died in the year 275. 

Tacitus, the successor of Aurelian, after a short reign, 
left the empire to Probus, in whose reign appeared the 
monstrous heresy of IVIanes. His fundamental princi- 
ple was to account for the origin of evil, by the admis- 
sion of two first causes, independent of each other. 

After Probus, Carus, and his two sons, Dioclesiaa. 
began to reign in the year 284. For about eighteen 
ysars, this emperor was extremely indulgent to the 
Christians. His wife Prisca, and daughter Valeria, 
were Christians, in some sense, secretly. The eu- 
nuchs of his palace, and his most important officers, 
with their wives and families openly professed the 
gospel ; innumerable crowds attended Christian wor- 
ship ; the old buildings could no longer receive them ; 
and in all cities, wide and lanre edifices were erected. 
If Christ s kingdom had been of this world, and its 
strength and beauty were to be measured by secular 



SENT. III. j GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. ^ 

prosperity, we should here fix the era of its greatness. 
But on the contrary, the era of its decline must be 
dated during the pacific part of Dioclesian's reign< 
During this whole century, the work of God in purity 
and power had been declining ; its connexion with 
philosophers had been one of the principal causes ; 
outward peace and secular advantages now completed 
the corruption ; discipline, which had been too strict, 
was now relaxed exceedingly ; Bishops and people 
were in a state of malice ; quarrels without end were 
fomented ; and ambition and covetousness had novr 
the ascendency in the Christian church. Some there 
doubtless were, who mourned in secret, and strove, ia 
vain, to stop the abounding torrent of evil. The truth 
of this account seems much confirmed, by the extreme 
dearth of real Christian excellencies. None seem, 
for the space of thirty years, to have risen in the 
room of Cyprian, Firmilian, Gregory, and Dionysius. 
No Bishop or Pastor of eminence for piety, zeal, and 
labors, appeared. Christian worship was yet con- 
stantly attended to ; the number of nominal converts 
was constantly increasing ; but the faith of Christ it- 
self appeared now an ordinary business, and here end- 
ed, as we have reason to believe, that great first out- 
pouring of the Spirit of God, which began on the day 
of Pentecost. Human depravity caused a general 
decay of godliness through the church ; and one gene- 
ration of men elapsed with scarcely any proofs of thfe 
spiritual presence of Christ with his people. 

Toward the end of the century, Dioclesian, prac- 
tising the superstitious rites of divination, and under- 
standing or guessing, from the ill success of the sacri- 
fice, that the presence of a Christian servant, .wh# 
made on his forehead the sign of a cross, was the 
cause, ordered not only those who were present, but 
all in his palace to sacrifice, or in case of refusal to be 
scourged with whips. He wrote ako to the officers 
of his army to constrain all the soldiers to sacrifice^ 
7 



74 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. III. 

©r to discharge them from the service. Many re- 
signed rather than to comply with the idolatrous in- 
junction. A few were put to death on the occasion. 

It seems that these preliminaries to the persecu- 
tion 5 with which the next century opens, did not affect 
the minds of Christians in general ; nor was the spirit 
of prayer stirred up among them ; a certain sign of 
long and obstinate decay in godliness. But God, who 
had long exercised patience, declared, at length, in 
the course of his providence, " Because I have pur- 
ged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shall not be 
purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused 
my fury to rest upon thee." 



CHAPTEPv in. 



SOME ACCOUNT OF GREGORY. 

Gregory was born at Neoca3sarea, the metropolis 
ef Cappadocia. He travelled to Alexandria to learn 
the Platonic philosophy, where he was eo.ually remark- 
able for strictness of life, and close attention to his 
studies. He then put himself under the tuition of Ori- 
gen at Caesarea ; and having continued there five 
years, returned to Neocaesarea, and devoted himself 
mostly to prayer and meditatioiy Neocaesarea was 
a large and populous city, but full of idolatry, the ve- 
ry seat of Satan. Young Gregory was prevailed on, 
though with much difficulty, to take the charge of that 

people. 

The undertaking was arduous ; there being only 
seventeen professors of Christianity in the place. 
However, Gregory commenced his labors, and con- 
tinued successfully employed at Neocaesarea, till the 
persecution of Decius, under which Pontus and Cap- 



CE>~T. III.] GREGORY j "j 

padocia seem to have had their full share of suffer* 
ing. Relations, in the most unnatural manner, be- 
trayed one another ; the woods were full of vaga- 
bonds ; the towns were empty; and houses, deprived 
of their Christian inhabitants, became jails for the re- * 
ception of prisoners. 

fa this terrible situation of things, Gregory, fearing 
that his new converts could not stand their ground and 
be faithful, advised them to flee ; and to encourage 
them in it. he set the example. Many of his people 
suffered greatly ; but God at length restored them 
in peace ; and Gregory again returned to exhilarate 
their minds with his pastoral labors. 

A little before his death, he made strict inquiry, 
whether there were any in the city or neighborhood 
still strangers to Christianity. Being told that there 
were about seventeen in all, he sighed, and lifting uu 
his eyes to heaven, appealed to God how much it 
troubled him, that any of his fellow-townsmen should 
remain unacquainted with salvation. At the same 
time, he gave thanks, that as at first, he found only 
seventeen Christians, he had left only seventeen 
idolaters. Having prayed for the conversion of infi- 
dels, and the edification of the faithful, he peacefully 
resigned his soul to him who gave it. 

Gregory was a strict Trinitarian. He speaks of 
the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, as a perfect Trini- 
ty in glory, eternity, and kingdom ; not separated, 
not divided. 

Gregory was evangelical in his whole life. In his 
devotion he showed the greatest reverence. Feaa&d 
nay were the usual measures of his communication ; 
no anger nor bitterness proceeded out of his mouth ; 
slander, and calumny, as directly opposite to Christi- 
anity, he peculiarly hated and avoided; envy and pride 
he abhorred ; he was zealous against all corruptions ; 
and Sabellianism, which long afte* 1 rp.ared its head, 
was silenced by the remsmbra ice of what he had 
taught and left among his people. 



CHAPTER IV. 

PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL IN THIS CENTURY. 

During the reign of Deems, even in the midst of 
the persecution, the gospel, which, in France, had 
been confined to the neighborhood of Vienna and Ly- 
ons, was considerably extended, and that country in 
general was blessed with the light of the gospel. 

Germany, in the course of this century, was also 
favored with the same blessing, especially those parts 
©f it which were in the neighborhood of France. Of 
the British Isle, little is recorded. 

The goodness of God made the temporal miseries^ 
with which mankind were afflicted in the reign of Gal- 
lienus, subservient to the unspeakably more important 
(roncerns of their souls. The barbarians, who rava- 
ged Asia, carried with them into captivity several 
Bishops, who preached the word of life to their cruel 
oppressors. The barbarians heard with respect ami 
attention, and numbers of them were converted, 



CHAPTER V. 

CONNEXION BETWEEN THE DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE 
OF PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANS. 

It must not, however fashionable, be admitted by 
a Christian, that one sentiment is as good as another, 
with respect to influence on the practice. Scripture 
connects sanctification with belief of the truth. Our 
Lord himself prays, that his disciples may be sanctifi- i 
ed through the truth. The blood of Christ purges 
the conscience from dead works, to serve the living 
God ; and a right faith in Jesus overcomes the world. 

The peculiar doctrines of the gospel are original 
sin, justification by the faith of Jesus Christ, his God- 



CENT. III.1 PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANS. 77 

head and atonement, the divinity and efficacious influ- 
ences of the Holy Ghost. We appeal to Scripture 
for the truth of this assertion. If it cannot be proved 
from thence, let it not be proved at all. The tradi- 
tion of the church, were it more uniform than it is, 
can never sufficiently demonstrate it. 

From the history of the chinch, during the three 
first centuries, we learn, first, — That there were a 
number of persons, bearing the Christian name, whose 
lives proved them to be the excellent of the earth : 
And, secondly, — That as far as we know, the charac- 
ter of genuine virtue belonged, exclusively, to those 
who espoused the peculiar doctrines of the gospel. 

Sentiments, when really and thoroughly imbibed, 
cannot be destitute of practical influence. If there 
be a favorite topic in Scripture it is the recommen- 
dation of humility. The humble, with all their im- 
perfections, must be admitted into heaven ; the proud, 
with all the virtue compatible with pride, must be 
excluded. Those doctrines, therefore, which sup- 
port humility, must be divine ; those which nourish 
pride, must be earthly, or even diabolical. Now the 
evangelical doctrines, just mentioned, are all of the 
former sort. The more they are relished and admi- 
red, the more do they direct the mind to honor God, 
to feel even infinite obligation to him ; to entertaiu 
the lowest ideas of ourselves ; to confound the pride 
of intellect, of riches, of virtue, of every thing human. 
To sing salvation to God and the Lamb, to confess 
our desert of destruction, and to ascribe our delive- 
rance from it to atoning blood, are the employments 
of heaven. The taste and temper adapted to it, 
must be formed here on earth by grace ; and the 
whole w r ork of the Spirit, as we have seen it exem- 
plified in three centuries, is calculated to produce and 
support these dispositions. In the words and actions 
of holy men we have seen this effect. They believ* 
edj heartily, the truth of doctrines the most humilia* 



78 



PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANS. [CENT. III. 



ting. They were poor in spirit, patient under the 
severest treatment, and the most cruel injuries, be- 
cause they were conscious of deserving much worse ; 
contented in the meanest circumstances, because they 
felt the beauty of his condescension, who, though he 
was rich, became poor for their sakes, and who had 
provided for them sure and eternal riches. They 
were serene and confident in God, because they view- 
ed him as their Father through the grace of Christ ; 
full of charity, because they knew the love of God in 
Christ ; in honor they preferred others to themselves, 
because they were ever conscious of their own de- 
pravity ; in fine, they gladly endured reproach for 
Christ's sake, because they knew his kingdom was 
not of this world. 

Now take from these men the peculiar doctrines of 
the gospel, and all the motives and springs of Christian 
action are annihilated. Morals may remain, and 
whatever is reputable in social life, but that, which is 
properly of a pious and humble nature, is no more. 

For whoever feels himself daily to be helpless, 
corrupt, and unworthy ; whose hope of divine favor 
cannot exist for a moment, but under the belief of the 
most stupendous grace ; who is compelled by the voi^e 
of necessity to pray, and who experiences the answer 
of prayer by repeated supernatural aids, must be in- 
duced to the constant exercise of humble thoughts 
with respect to himself, and of grateful thoughts with 
respect to his Maker. It is easy to see, what a foun- 
dation is laid for meekness, gentleness, modesty, and 
submission to the will of God, and for genuine com- 
passion for the most wicked and most injurious ; he 
himself being a child of wrath, by nature, as well as 
they. Nor is there a virtue, for which the primitive 
Christians were so renowned, but it may be traced 
up to these principles. 



CHAP. I. 

THE PERSECUTION OF DIOCLESIAN. 

The fourth century commenced with the bursting 
of a storm, which had for some time hung over the 
church. 

Dioclesian, who was then emperor, had a partner 
called Maximian. Under them were two Caesars, 
Galerius and Constantius. Except Constantius, they 
were all tyrants, though the savageness of Galerius 
w^as the most remarkable. 

During a whole winter Dioclesian and Galerius 
w r ere engaged in secret counsels respecting the per- 
secution, formed a plan for extinguishing the gospel, 
and finally determined on a day for commencing their 
iniquitous operations. Early in the morning, on the 
appointed day, an officer, with guards, came to the 
great church at Nicomedia, burst open the doors, 
burnt the Scriptures, tore down the building : and 
next day edicts were issued, in which men of the 
Christian religion, were deprived of all honor and 
dignity, and exposed to torture. 

A few r days after, the palace was found to be on 
fire. Christians were charged with the crime ; and 
Dioclesian then thoroughly, and in earnest, raged 
against all sorts of men, who bore the Christian name ; 
and except France, the persecution pervaded the 
whole Roman empire. 

The officers of Dioclesian were perfectly willing 
to imbrue their hands in the blood of Christians ; and 
not only willing, but hastened with cruel speed to ex- 



80 DIOCLESIAN. [CENT. W, 

ecute his horrid commands. Christians were put to 
death in a more savage manner than had ever before 
been heard of. Presbyters and deacons were seized 
and condemned to death ; eunuchs, of the greatest 
power in the palace, were slain ; and persons of every 
age and sex were burnt. It was tedious to destroy 
men singly ; fires were made to burn numbers to- 
gether ; and men, with millstones about their necks, 
were thrown into the sea. Judges were every 
where at work compelling men to sacrifice. Prisons 
were filled, and unheard of tortures were invented. 
Full permission was given for any to injure them. 
Some beat them with clubs, others with rods ; some 
scourged them with thongs of leather, others with 
ropes. Many of the Christians having their hands 
fastened behind them, were hung about a wooden en- 
gine, and every limb of their bodies distended by 
machines. The whole bodies of some were rent 
with iron nails, while others, suspended by one hand 
to a portico, underwent the most severe distention of 
all their joints. The governor ordered them to be 
bound with the greatest severity, and when they 
breathed their last to be dragged on the ground. 
" No care,*' said he, " ought to be taken of these 
Christians ; let all treat them as unworthy of the 
name of men." 

Egypt suffered extremely. Whole families were 
put to death; some by fire, others by water, others 
by decollation, after horrible tortures. Some perish- 
ed by famine, others by crucifixion, and of these, some 
in the common manner, others were fastened with 
their heads downward, and preserved alive, till they 
died with hunger. These scenes continued many 
years. Sometimes ten, at other times thirty, and sixty, 
and once a hundred men and women, with their little 
ones, were murdered in one day, by various tortures. 

Wearied at length with torture, and affecting to 
praise the clemency of the emperors 3 the persecutors 



CENT. IV. J DIOCLESlAN. 81 

contented themselves with plucking out eyes, cutting 
off limbs, and then sending the bereaved sufferers te 
work in the mines. 

The spirit of martyrdom revived with the persecu- 
tion. Christians suffered with the greatest faith and 
patience. There was ever the strongest appearance 
of joy and triumph among them, and to their last 
breath, they employed themselves in prayer and 
thanksgiving. 

Thus did God, at once, punish the sins of the Chris- 
tians ; revive his work in their hearts, by sanctified 
affliction ; evince the extreme depravity of mankind ; 
and illustrate his own power and wisdom in baffling 
the rage of Satan, and in defending and delivering his 
church when every thing seemed combined for its 
destruction. 

These things demonstrate, in the highest manner, 
the strength of grace, and the reality of that divine 
influence which attends Christians. 

In the year 305 a civil change took place in the em- 
pire, which paved the way for very important changes 
in the churches ; Dioclesian resigned the empire and 
Maximian followed his example. They were suc- 
ceeded by Oalerius and Constantius. Maximian took 
the place of Galerius. inherited the savageness and 
the prejudices of his predecessor, and in the eastern 
provinces still continued the horrors of persecution. 
We find that at this time, the imprudence of many 
Christians was great, and their zeal very irregular 
and- extravagant. There were, however, persons 
well informed of their 'duty, possessing the mind of 
Christ. One by the name of Paul, being sentenced 
to lose his head, begged that a short space of time 
might be allowed him. His request being granted, 
he prayed with a loud voice for the whole Christian 
world, that God would forgive them, remove the 
very heavy scourge of their iniquities, and restore 
them to peace and liberty. He then prayed, that 



§2 PI0CLESIAN. [CENT. IV.* 

the Jews might find access to God through Christ, that 
the same blessing might be vouchsafed to the Samari- 
tans, and that the Gentiles might be brought to know 
and serve God. Nor did he omit to mention the crowd 
about him, the judge who had sentenced him, the em- 
peror, and the executioner ; and in the hearing of ail 
he prayed that their sin might not be laid to their 
charge. The whole company were moved, and tears 
were shed. The martyr composed himself to suffer, 
and, offering his neck to the sword, was beheaded. 

For eight years, Christians in the East, with little 
intermission, continued to groan under this heavy per- 
secution. In the West it subsided, at the expiration 
of two years. 

Providence finally raised up a protector for the 
church. The emperor Constantius, lying at the point 
of death, sent for his son Constantine, who came, and 
according to his father's appointment, succeeded him ; 
and so far as his power extended, gave perfect tole- 
ration to the Christians. Providence enlarged his 
dominions, and he soon became sole master of the 
western world. 

Galerius, in the year 310, was smitten with an in- 
curable disease. Physicians and idols were applied 
to in vain ; an intolerable stench spread itself over 
the palace of Sardis where he resided. He was al- 
most devoured by worms, and continued a year in a 
situation the most dreadful. Softened at length by 
his sufferings, he published an edict, in which he pro- 
hibited the persecution of Christians, allowed them 
to rebuild their places of worship, and desired them 
to pray for his health. 

The effects of this new edict, were very perceptible. 
Prisoners were released, confessors were freed from 
the mines, the highways were full of Christians, sing- 
ing psalms and hymns to God, as they returned to their 
friends ; and Christendom, at length, wcre-a cheerful 
aspect. Even Pagans were melted ; and many, who 



CENT. It.'] DIGCLESIAN. 83 

had joined in the attempt to ^extinguish the Christian 
name, began to be convinced that religion, which had 
sustained such formidable attacks, was divine and in- 
vincible. 

This calm, however, was of but short duration. 
Galerius, a few days after his edict, expired ; his bo- 
dy being wholly corrupted. 

Syria and Egypt, with their dependencies, remained 
under Maximian. He treated the Christians of those 
countries with great malevolence and artifice. No 
arts were left unemployed to eradicate Christianity 
from the mind, and educate the next generation in a 
confirmed aversion to it. Incited by the example of 
the tyrant, all the pagans in his dominions, exerted 
themselves to contrive the ruin of Christians ; and 
human ingenuity was put to the stretch, to invent ca- 
lumnies in support of the kingdom of darkness. While 
thus bent on the destruction of Christians, the tyrant 
Maximian was arrested in his mad career, and made a 
monument of divine displeasure. He was seized with 
a disorder which infected his whole body ; he pined 
away with hunger, and fell down from his bed ; his 
flesh dropped from his bones, his eyes started from 
their sockets ; and in his distress, he began to see God 
passing in judgment before him. Frantic in his ago- 
nies, he cried out, " It was not I, but others who did it." 
At length, by the increasing force of torment, he own- 
ed his guilt, and entreated Christ to compassionate his 
miseries. He confessed himself vanquished, and ex- 
pired. 

Thus closed the most memorable of all the attacks 
of Satan on the kingdom of Christ. The arm of God 
w r as raised, in a wonderful manner, to chastise and pu- 
rify the church, to demonstrate that the gospel was 
divine, and to evince that the Most High ruleth, not 
only in the armies of heaven, but among the inhabitants 
#f the earth. 



CHAPTER II 



GENERAL STATE OP THE CHURCH FROM CONSTANTINE 
TO THEODOSIUS. 

The emperor Constantine had, from early life, some 
predilection in favor of Christianity. As he was march- 
ing from France to Italy, on an expedition, which was 
likely either to exalt or ruin him, he was greatly op- 
pressed with anxiety. Some god he thought needful 
to protect him. The God of the Christians he was 
most inclined to respect ; and sought some, satisfactory 
proof of his real existence and power; but he neither 
understood the means of acquiring this, nor could he 
be content with atheistical indifference. He prayed ; 
he implored, with much vehemence and importunity ; 
and God left him not unanswered. It it said by histo- 
rians, that while he was marching with his forces, the 
sign of the cross appeared high in the heavens, lumi- 
nous and spangled with glory. The inscription was, 
u Conquer by this." He and his soldiers were filled 
with astonishment. Constantine continued pondering 
on the event till night. While asleep, Christ appeared 
to him with the same sign of the cross, and directed him 
to make use of that symbol in his military operations. 
Constantine obeyed ; and the cross was, from that 
time, displayed in his armies. Constantine applied to 
the pastors of the church for instruction, was made ac- 
quainted with the doctrines of the gospel ; and from 
that time, firmly believed the truth of Christianity, 
read the Scriptures, and zealously patronised pastors 
©f the church. 

Whether Constantine really loved the gospel, and 
felt its sanctifying influence, is doubtful ; for neither 
in him, nor in his favorite bishops, nor in the general 



GENT. IV. j GENERAL STATE OF THE CHVltCH. 65 

appearance of the churches, can we see much of the 
spirit of godliness. 

When we look at the external state of the church, 
we behold an emperor full of zeal for the propagation 
©f the only divine religion, every thing restored to the 
church, of which it had been deprived, temples dedi- 
cated to God with the greatest solemnity, pastors ex- 
ceedingly honored, and governors urged to promote 
Christianity. 

At this time orginated the famous Donatist schism^ 
the second class of dissenters, in the records of the 
church. Heresies began also to be prevalekt ; but 
none were so powerful, or so afflictive to the church, 
as that of Arianism. By Arius, a bold and open as- 
sault was made upon the Deity of the Son of God. 

Arius belonged to Alexandria. He was, at the com- 
mencement of his preaching, a promising character ; 
but soon began to discover a restless and factious spirit. 
By nature he was formed to deceive ; in conversation 
he was captivating and agreeable ; he possessed a su- 
perior understanding, was well skilled in logic, and all 
the improvements of the human mind then fashionable. 
By the pride of reasoning he was seduced to assert, 
that there was a time when the Son of God was not ; 
that he was capable of virtue and of vice ; that he was 
a creature, and mutable as other creatures. He 
preached diligently at his church, diffused his opinions 
in all companies, and gained over many of the commoa 
people. 

Alexander was, at that time, Bishop of Alexandria. 
He was alarmed at the rapid growth of Arianism ; and 
having tried lenient measures and argumentative me- 
thods, in vain, he summoned a synod of bishops, who 
met at Alexandria, condemned the doctrines of Arius, 
and expelled him from the church, with nine of his 
adherents. Notwithstanding this, Arius persisted ia 
his heretical sentiments, and strengthened himself by 
forming alliances with various bishops. A second 
8 



m 



GENERAL STATE OF THE 0I1CRCH. [CENT. IV. 



synod was held at Alexandria, consisting of nearly a 
hundred bishops. They condemned Alius and obliged 
him to quit the place. 

Constantine, on an expedition into the East, heard v 
of this controversy, turned his attention immediately 
to.jthe subject, and summoned the aid of the whole 
Christian church. Three hundred and eighteen bish- 
ops, from all parts of the Christian world, assembled 
at Nice in Bithynia in the year 325. 

After a fair discussion of the subject, Arius was de- 
posed, excommunicated, and banished his country. 

We have here the testimony of nearly the whole 
Christian w T orld, in proof of the proper Diety of the 
Son of God ; a testimony free, unbiassed, and unre- 
strained. How can this be accounted for, but hence, 
that they followed the plain sense of Scripture and 
of the church in preceding ages ? 

Alexander died soon after his return from the Ni- 
cene council. At his request Athanasius succeeded 
him, and was ordained with the strongest testimony 
of general satisfaction. 

The emperor, who was as much a child in religious 
discernment, as he was a man in political sagacity, 
suffered himself to be so far imposed on by the politi- 
cal craft of Arius and his friend Euzoius, as to write 
in their commendation to the churches. But it was no 
easy matter to prejudice the orthodox in their favor. 
Athanasius, in particular, was too conscientious to tol- 
erate the heretical sentiments of Arius ; and on his 
return from exile, refused to receive him to commu- 
nion. Consequently, the Arian party were greatly 
exasperated, united against him, and by false accu- 
sation, procured his banishment. 

Flushed with the success of his party, Arius, re- 
turned to Alexandria, and strengthened the hands of 
the heretics, who had languished for want of his abili- 
ties, The emperor, it seems, was displeased with 
his proceedings, and ordered him to come to Constat 



CENT. IV.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. SI 

imoplej and give an account of his conduct. Alexan- 
der, a man of eminent pisty and integrity, was at that 
time Bishop of Constantinople. Constantine, by the 
duplicity of Arms, was deceived ; believiiig that he 
had renounced his heretical sentiments, he ordered 
Alexander to receive him into the church, and mena- 
ced him with deposition and exile, if he refugee. 
The good bishop could not comply with the requisition, 
found himself in difficulty, and sought of God direction 
and assistance. He spent several clays and nights ia 
fervent supplication; the faithful followed his exam- 
ple ; and prayer was made without ceasing that God 
would interfere on this occasion. The day soon arri- 
ved on which Arius was to be admitted into the church. 
The heads of the party were parading through the. 
streets with their leader, when a sudden terror, with 
a disorder in the bowels, seized Arius. He hasted 
into a place of retirement, and fainted. His bowels 
were poured out with a vast effusion cf blood, and 
thus he expired. 

Constantine survived this event but a short time. 
He died in the sixty-fifth year of his age ; and was 
succeeded by three sons, Constantine, Constantius, and 
Constans. The first ruled in Spain and Gaul, the 
second in the East, and the third in Italy and Africa. 

Of Constantine, the eldest, we know but little. 
He seemed favorably disposed toward the orthodox 
party ; recalled Athanasius from banishment ; many 
others who had been deposed, he restored ; but was 
himself slain by the troops of his brother Constans. 

The next brother, Constantius, a man of weak un- 
derstanding, corrupted by- the pride of power, and HI 
informed ia any thing that belonged to real Christian- 
ity, was confirmed in the fashionable heresy. During 
this whole reign, which continued from 337 to 361, a 
controversy was carried on between the church and 
the heretics, by arms and resources suited to the ge- 
nius of the parties. Those of the former were prayers. 



88 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. IT, 

treatises and preaching, those of the latter policy, in- 
trigue, persecution and the friendship of the great. 

Having espoused the Arian cause, Constantius com- 
menced persecution.- Some were banished, some 
scourged, and others suffered death from Arian ven- 
geance. Athanasius, though he wanted not courage 
and capacity to resist, acted a more prudent partj 
fled from the storm, and made his escape to Rome. 

The emperor Constans was a steady supporter of 
the Nicene faith. Constantius, intimidated by the 
threats of his brother, was induced, for a time, to 
treat the Trinitarians with a degree of lenity ; re- 
called Athanasius from exile, and restored him to the 
joyful embraces of his people. 

By the death of his brother, Constantius became 
sole master of the empire, and revived the persecu- 
tion. The good Athanasius was again called to suffer. 
In this season of affliction, he visited the Monks, and 
with them found a safe retreat in the desert. Friends 
of the Nicene faith were cruelly beaten, and some 
died under the anguish. Venerable bishops were sent 
into the deserts throughout Egypt ; and Arianism 
reigned, and glutted itself in blood. 

That party gained vast multitudes by forming creed 
after creed, expressed in artful ambiguity, to impose 
on the unwary. Their cruelty tried to the utmost, the 
hearts of men ; and now the proverb was verified ; 
u All the world against Athanasius, and Athanasius 
against all the world." Yet the power of divine grace 
was displayed in preserving a remnant in this disas- 
trous season, and particularly in strengthening the mind 
of this great man through a long course of affliction. 

In the year 361 Constantius died of a fever. 

During the reigns of Constantine and Constantius, 
Paganism experienced a gradual and rapid decline. 
With inexpressible disappointment the Pagans saw the 
downfall of their religion ; and while their temples 
were demolished and idols destroyed, tliQ language of 



CENT. IV,] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 89 

their hearts was, "Ye have taken away my gods, 
and what have I more ?" They were, however, ex- 
ceedingly numerous, and enjoyed, with silent pleasure, 
the long and shameful scenes of the Ariau controversy. 

The eyes of these Pagan votaries were finally di- 
rected to Julian, the successor of Constantius. He 
was warlike, eiiterprizing, zealous, and a determin- 
ed foe to the gospel. In the warm imagination of many 
zealous devotees, even Jupiter himself seemed likely, 
" To grow terrible again, and to be again adored." 

Julian was a man of superior abilities, and the great- 
est zealot for Paganism the w 7 orld ever beheld. — 
Temper, talents, power, and resentment, all conspi- 
red to cherish his superstitious sentiments. With 
serpentine arts, the prince of darkness attempted the 
restoration of his kingdom by the hand of Julian. 
Neither address nor dexterity was wanting. All tha| 
the wit and prudence of man could do, was attempt- 
ed ; and let it be remembered, that he failed, be- 
cause his arms were levelled against Heaven. 

Julian succeeded Constantius in the year 361. He 
immediately ordered temples to be set open, decayed 
ones to be repaired, and new ones to be erected. 
The whole machinery of Paganism was again brought 
into operation ; altars and fires, blood, perfumes, and 
priests attending their sacrifices, were every where 
visible ; and even the imperial palace itself had its 
temple and furniture. 

To reform Paganism was his first object. To main- 
tain it on the old system of popular belief, he saw, 
was impossible. Christian light had now rendered 
Pagan darkness visible, its deformity disgustful, and 
its absurdity contemptible. He zealously urged the 
priests to charity and good works ; telling them that ' 
the impious Galileans, as he called Christians, had 
by their singular benevolence, strengthened their 
party ; and that Paganism had suffered for want of 
attention to those things. But we cannot particular- 



SO GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. IT. 

ize. It must suffice to say, that Julian attempted the 
restoration of idolatry, not by shedding the blood of 
Christians as his predecessors had done ; but by ma- 
king use of philosophy, ridicule, and every artifice 
that could be invented. 

With a design to invalidate the prophecies respect- 
ing the desolation of Jerusalem, he urged the Jpws to 
rebuild their temple, and restore its worship, promis- 
ed to defray the expense, and appointed an officer to 
superintend the work. But an arm of flesh could not 
contend with the arm of God. By earthquakes and 
eruptions, the Lord manifested his displeasure ; the 
enterprise was suddenly baffled, and the workmen 
obliged to desist. 

The church at this time, oppressed with persecu- 
tion from without, and torn by controversy within, ex- 
hibited but a glimmering light. 

In 362 Athanasius again returned to his bishopric, 
and once more illuminated the diocese of Alexandria. 
During the short time that he was allowed to appear 
in public, he labored with unremitting industry, and 
shone with such peculiar lustre, as to draw multitudes 
around the Christian standard. 

He was not, however, permitted long to enjoy the 
sweets of liberty. Provoked at his growing authori- 
ty, Julian pronounced against him the sentence of ban- 
ishment. Perceiving that not only his liberty, but 
life was in danger, the venerable bishop again sought 
safety by flight. All the faithful gathered around 
him weeping; " We must retire a little time, friends, " 
said he, " it is a cloud that will soon be over.' 5 He 
then took leave of them, and going on board a vessel, 
fled into the obscure parts of Egypt. However, he 
soon returned in private to Alexandria, where he lay 
concealed till the end of the persecution. 

The triumphant reign of Julian was short. While 
Providence was hastening his end, he seemed enraged 
against the Christians, and more than ever bent on 



CENT. IV.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 91 fe 

their destruction. On an expedition against the Per- 
sians, he received a mortal wound. Conscious of his 
approaching end, he filled his hand with his blood, and 
casting it into the air, exclaimed, u Galilean, thou 
hast conquered." In his last moments he expressed 
a readiness to die, boasted that he had lived without 
guilt, and reflected with pleasure on the innocence of 
his private, and integrity of his public life ; and added, 
that in a few moments he should mingle with heaven 
and the stars. 

Julian was succeeded by Jovian in the year 363. 
In civil history he is not distinguished. In ecclesias- 
tical, he deserves particular attention, on account of 
his being the first emperor, who has left decisive evi- 
dence of real love to the truth, as it is in Jesus. 

The army, at Julian's death, was in a situation of 
extreme danger, far advanced in an enemy's country, 
and without provision. Having, with some difficulty, 
effected a treaty of peace with the Persians, Jovian 
led his army to Antioch, and there applied himself to 
the regulations of government. The conduct cf his 
predecessor, had involved him in intricate difficulties, 
both civil and ecclesiastical. The whole empire was 
torn with intestine division, and Julian's affected tole- 
ration had been attended with the horrors of real per- 
secution. On his death, the Pagans were greatly 
alarmed ; temples were every where shut, priests 
absconded, and philosophers quitted the cloak. Con- 
vinced that conscience could not be forced, and that 
only a voluntary religion was acceptable to God, Jovi- 
an made a law, by which he permitted Pagans to re- 
open their temples, and enjoy free liberty of con- 
science. At the same time, he declared Christianity 
to be the established religion, replaced in the standard 
the figure of the cross, ordered Christians to be res- 
tored to their churches, recalled exiles, and reinsta- 
ted them in all their privileges. 

Athanasius no sooner heard of the death of Julian, 
than he suddenly appeared at Alexandria to the agree- 



92 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [ CENr * IV * 

able surprise of his people. The emperor wrote to 
him, in a very affectionate and respectful manner, 
urged him to the faithful discharge of his duty* en- 
couraged him to hope for success, even applied to him 
for instruction, and entreated his prayers. Provoked 
to see him thus exalted, the Arians were exceedingly 
mad against him, and would gladly have effected his 
ruin. But the emperor, interfering in his behalf, 
prevented the violence of the Arians ; and the faith- 
ful bishop was permitted, for ten years, to enjoy the 
luxury of laboring in the vineyard of Christ. 

This good emperor, after a reign of about seven 
months, was very suddenly removed. Christians sin- 
cerely wept, the Pagans, in general, spoke well of 
him ; but the Arians took advantage of his decease, and 
the church was once more involved in persecution. 

Jovian was succeeded by two brothers, Yalentinian 
find Yalens. The former governed in the West, the 
latter in the East. Valentinian followed the plan of 
Jovian in the affairs of the church. Valens was a man 
of weak capacity, jealous, and ill qualified to judge 
either in matters of religioiror government. He had, 
however, ingenuity or rather iniquity enough to perse- 
cute the church. He expelled all the followers of 
the Nicene faith from Constantinople ; in Egypt many 
of the Athanasians were put to death ; and numbers, 
because they presumed to weep after they had been 
scourged, were committed to prison. Similar outra- 
ges were committed ifi various parts of the empire. 
While the scourge of persecution was abroad, a la- 
mentable corruption was found to be deeply rooted in 
the church. Infidels laughed at these evils, the weak 
were staggered, and true Christians^ avoiding the 
churches as nurseries of impiety, retired into the de- 
serts and lifted up their hands to God with sighs and 
tears. 

Athanasius died in the year 373. In his writings 
there is nothing very important) but what relates to 



CENT. IV.] GENERAL STATE OP THE GHTJReH. $3 

the Arian controversy. As a writer he is nervous, 
clear, and argumentative. As a Christian, he is very 
conspicuous, and shines with unclouded lustre. His 
conduct every where appears consistent and upright, 
directed by the fear of God and the love of immortal 
souls. 

Having reigned fourteen years, Valens perished i$ 
a battle with the Goths. 

In the East the only comfortable circumstance, we 
can behold, is that God left not himself without wit- 
ness ; but marked his real church with a number of 
faithful followers. In the West we have a more 
cheering prospect. Valentinian, in the beginning of 
his reign, decided that no man should be compelled ia 
religion ; thus giving to all an unrestrained liberty of 
conscience. 

At this time, a new star arose in the Western world, 
which shone with uncommon lustre. This was the fa- 
mous Ambrose. He was born in the year 333. Hit 
pious sister instructed him in the first principles of god- 
liness, with very great success. At the same time he 
closely applied himself to the study of the arts and sci- 
ences, and became master of all the learning that 
Greece and Rome could afford. Having arrived to 
maturity, he pleaded causes with so much dexterity, 
that he was appointed governor of Milan. In this of- 
fice, he continued five years, and was renowned for 
prudence and justice. 

On the death of Arventius, the Arian Bishop of Mi- 
lan, Ambrose was appointed his successor in the year 
374. He was astonished at the election, peremptori- 
ly refused acceptance, and even used strong and un- 
justifiable methods to convince the people, that he was 
not that character of mildness and chastity, which he 
reaiiy was, and which all supposed him to be. Thi3 
uncommon hypocrisy was, however, easily detected. 
Finding it in vain to stem the torrent, he stole out of 
Milan at midnight ; but missing his way, and wander- 



94 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. IV. 

ing all night, he found himself, in the morning, at the 
gate of the cit) r . He was discovered, and a guard 
placed about his person, till at length he was com- 
pelled to accept the office assigned him. 

Ambrose immediately disengaged himself from tem- 
poral concerns, and devoted his time to the ministry. 
His knowledge of theology was very confined, when 
he entered upon his office. Being sensible of this 
truth, he condescended to be taught by Simplicius, a 
venerable Bishop, whom he loved and revered. It 
pleased God to make him a useful instrument in the 
instruction of this luminary. He conveyed to him that 
fire of divine love, and genuine simplicity in religion,, 
which had very much decayed since the days of Cyprian. 
Ambrose now gave himself wholly to the work of thfe 
Lord, and restored purity of doctrine and discipline. 

Valentinian died in the year 375, having reigned 
eleven years. Violent anger had ever been his pre- 
dominant evil ; a fit of passion at length cost him his 
life. 

Gratian, the eldest son of Valentinian succeeded 
him in Gaul, Spain, and Britain. His youngest son, 
then an infant, succeeded in Italy and the rest of the 
western world. Gratian chose Theodosius as his 
colleague, who reigned in the East, while he, with 
the affection of a father, managed the concerns of his 
infant brother at Rome. 

From his earliest years, there appeared unques- 
tionable marks of real godliness in Gratian. The - 
mind of this young prince being strongly fixed on di- 
vine things, he wrote very respectfully to Ambrose of 
Milan, requested him to come to him immediately, 
and teach the doctrine of salvation. to one who really 
believed. Speaking of the Son of God, he said, " he 
would not think so meanly of him, as to make him a 
mere creature; and that although weak and frail 
himself, he would extol him as he could, not as, his 
divinity deserved." 



QSKT. IV. ] GENERAL STATE ©F THE CHTReH. 95 

The churches, once more recovered from the heavy 
scourge of affliction, and released from Arian tyranny 
and impiety, began to eiieot a reformation; Gregory 
of Nazianzen was appointed Bishop of Constantinople^ 
and he made vigorous efforts for the restoration of do<£ 
trine and discipline. 

In the year 380, Theedosius, desirous of co-operat- 
ing with Gregory ad other zealous Pastors in the re- 
viva] of godliness, published a law, by which he repro- 
bated the heresy oi' Arius, end expressed his warm 
approbation of the Nice^e faith. Various other ef- 
forts were made to eradicate the Arian heresy. But 
it was found much easier to expe! it externally than 
internally. Although much was attempted, little com- 
paratively could be effected. 

Li the year, 383, the Jiinperor Gratian lost his life 
by the rebellion of Maximus, who commanded in Lri- 
tain. While dying, his mind was sweetly absorbed in 
divine things, and he joyfully resigned an earthly king- 
dom for a heavenly. 

The Prisciiiianites, a heretical sect, who seemed to 
have combined all the most pernicious heresies, ap- 
peared during the reign of Gratian, and infected the 
greater part of Spain. The heretics were brought as 
criminals before Maximus the usurper. He indicted 
capital punishment on the leaders, and sentenced oth- 
ers to banishment. Christianity never received a 
greater scandal ; and men, who feared God and loved 
moderation and charity, wept and prayed in secret ; 
despised and disregarded by the two parties, who 
trampled on the rules of godliness. 

Justina, the Empress, was a decided patroness of 
Arianism, and began openly to instruct her son in her 
doctrines, and to induce him to menace the bishop of 
Milan. Ambrose exhorted him to support the doctrine 
received from the Apostles. Young Yalentinian, in a 
rage, ordered the guards to surround the church, and 
commanded Ambrose to eoine out of it. " I shall not 



96 ^EEERAL STATS 3F THE efi'&ReH. [CENT. IV 

willingly," replied the bishop, " give up the sheep of 
Christ to he devoured by wolves ; you may use youF 
swords and spears against me, such a death I will free- 
ly undergo." He was next ordered to resign two of the 
ehurches of Milan to the Arian party. He said, u If 
the Emperor had sent to demand my house or land, 
money or goods, 1 would have freely resigned them, 
but I will not deliver that which is committed to my 
charge." The heroic conduct of the bishop greatly ex- 
asperated the Arian party. Many persons were seiz- 
ed, the prisons were full of tradesmen, and men of 
raak were highly threatened. A person came to the 
bishop from the Emperor, and asked him, whether he 
intended to usurp the empire. " I have an empire," 
said he, " it is true ; but it lies in weakness, according 
to the saying of the Apostle, u When I am weak then am 
I strong." Wearied, and at length overcome, with his 
resolution, the guards were ordered to leave the church. 

The news, that Maximus intended to invade Italy, 
arrived at this critical time, and threw the court of Mi- 
lan into the greatest trepidation. Theodosius came 
immediately to the assistance of Valentiuian, and put 
an end to the usurpation and life of Maximus. By his 
means the young Emperor was induced to forsake his 
mother's sentiments, and professedly embraced those 
of Ambrose. 

Young Valentinian fell a victim to the rage of his 
enemies and Theodosius soon became master of the 
Roman world. Under bis authority, the extirpation of 
idolatry was carried on with more decisive vigor than 
ever. Egypt, in particular, felt the happy effects of it ; 
and thus the country which had nourished idolatry ear- 
lier, and more passionately, than any other, was 
made a special -scene of the triumphs of God, and his 
Christ 

This great prince expired at Milan, in the year 395, 
having reigned sixteen years Paganism never agaia 
feared its head ; but the trophies of the Redeemer^ 



CENT. IV. J GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 91 

kingdom continued 1o extend, and the religion, which 
is of God, made its way through all opposition. 

The clemency, liberality, and generosity of Theo- 
dosius are admirable. He was a model of gravity ? 
temperance, and chastity. The excess of anger was 
his predominant evil ; and it sometimes occasioned 
the bitterest remorse, and deepest humiliation of soul. 

This chapter we shall conclude with some further 
account of Ambrose. 

Ambrose died about the year 397, admired and la- 
mented by the whole Christian world. His life was 
probably shortened, by the incessant activity of his 
mind, and the multiplicity of his employments. He 
was appointed bishop at the age of thirty-four and 
died at fifty-seven. Ambrose was remarkable for a 
kind, sympathizing, benevolent disposition, immense 
labors, and fidelity in the discharge of pastoral duties. 

In his writings, he speaks of himself, with the great- 
est humility ; and mourns with heart-felt anguish, 
over his depraved nature, and actual offences against 
the God of love. 

While contemplating the heavenly world, and the 
joys that surround the saints in glory, he says, u We 
shall go to those, who sit down in the kingdom of God, 
with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We shall go where 
there is a paradise of pleasure, where the wretched 
being, who fell among thieves, no longer weeps over 
his wounds ; where the thief himself rejoices in the 
participation of the heavenly kingdom ; where there 
shall be no more storms and vicissitudes, but the glory 
of God alone shall shine. We shall go where Jesus 
has prepared mansions for his servants, that where 
he is, there we may be also." 

Ambrose was a decided advocate for the doctrine of 
the Trinity, and wrote largely on the subject. 

It cannot be denied, that he helped forward the 
growth of monastic bondage and prelatic pride. But 
the lover of godliness will l>e disposed to forget hie 



9B PROPAGATION OF THE GOSEEL. [CENT. UJ. 

faults, and remember only the fervent, the humble, 
the charitable bishop of Milan. 



CHAPTER III. 

PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL IN THIS CENTURY. 

During this century, the gospel was successfully 
preached in Abyssinia, and the trophies of the Re- 
deemer's kingdom displayed in that barbarous country. ' 

The Iberians, a people bordering on the Black 
Sea, in a military excursion took prisoner a pious 
Christian woman. Her sanctity of manners, fervent 
prayers, and zealous exhortations, engaged the res- 
pect of the barbarians, and induced the king and queen 
to embrace the gospel. 

Constantius erected churches in Arabia Felix, sent 
the gospel there, and spread at least the name of 
Christianity in that barbarous country. 

From the ecclesiastical accounts of Britain, it seems 
that Christianity was generally diffused through that 
Island ; and that the gospel flourished there in hum- 
ble security. 

In Persia, Christians were so numerous as to sus- 
tain a grievous persecution in the reign of Constan- 
tine. The people of God suffered there with so 
much sincerity and fortitude, as to evince, that the - 
Lord had much people in that place. 



CHAPTER IV. 



CHRISTIAN AUTHORS, IN THIS CENTURY. , 

Ephraim the Syrian vras born in Mesopotamia, and 
educated with great care by his Christian parents. 
His turn of mind, from childhood, was devout, studi- 
ous and contemplative, to an extreme degree. 

He was advanced to the office of a deacon, and to 
avoid being preferred to that of a bishop, feigned him- 
self mad aad escaped. At this time the pastoral of- 
fice appeared to good men awful beyond measure, re- 
quiring little less than angelic virtue. 

Ephraim wrote much on the Scripture, and various 
devotional pieces in the Syriac, his native tongue. A 
few extracts from his writings, will discover the spi- 
rit of his religion. 

lie a'ives very feeling descriptions of his own sin- 
fulness, and with anguish of soul mourns on account of 
in-dwelling sin. 

Speaking of humility, he says, " Vain is every en- 
dowment without humility. Pride labors to domi- 
neer over all, and lays a snare for every one. The 
wise, the strong, the beautiful, are each exposed to 
danger from that in which they excel. The Lord, 
knowing our danger, hath set humility as our guard, 
saying, " When ye have done all, say , we are un- 
profitable servants." 

Speaking of Christ he says, " Who would not love 
such a master, worship him, and confess his goodness ? 
From the immense height and the blessed bosom of 
the Father, did he not descend to us ? The invisible 
became visible ! wonder, full 'of fear and trem- 
bling !» 



100 



BASIL. [CEJXT. IV, 



BASIL OF CiESAREA. 



Basil, surnamed the Great on account of his uncom- 
mon learning and piety, was descended from Christian 
parents. His grandmother was eminently useful to 
him, superintended his education, and fixed in his 
mind the principles of godliness. Quitting his domes- 
tic circle, he travelled for improvement in knowledge, 
and possessed himself of all the secular learning of the 
age. Had he given himself wholly to the world, his 
superior advantages, uncommon endowments and in- 
defatigable industry, would have raised him to the 
height of eminence. But he sought food for his soul, 
applied himself to the sacred study of theology, and 
there found an exhaustless source of consolation. 

Basil beheld the pollutions of the world, sincerely 
abhorred them, and wishing to avoid the infection, re- 
tired from society. He incited his friend Gregory 
with many others, to embrace a retired life, and there 
employ tiieiiioeives in prayer, singing, and other de- 
votional exercises. Here 'these two friends formed 
the basis of those Superstition institutions, that fi^IW* 
overrun the church. 

By the authority of Gregory of Nazianzen, Basil 
was finally prevailed onto quit his retirement, and 
accept the office of a bishop. Cassarea was the place 
assigned him. In this situation, calumny, malice, and 
the domineering power of Arianism, afflicted him with 
various trials. But his patience was unwearied, and 
as his body became enfeebled by various distempers, 
his mind seems to have collected fresh vigor. Find- 
ins; that he was rapidly declining, the people flocketj 
about his house, sensible of the value of such a pastor. 
He discoursed piously to them, and sealed his last 
breath, with the ejaculation — " Into thine hands I 
commit my spirit." He died in the year 379. 



CEKTUEY XT* 



CHAP. I. 

CHRISTIAN AUTHORS JOHN CIIRYS0ST0M* 

Some brief account of this renowned father will 
properly introduce the fifth century. The transac- 
tions, with which his story is connected, extend a few 
years into the last century, and are very descriptive 
of the religious state of the East at that time. 

He was born at Antioch about the year 354. His 
education was entrusted to the care of his mother, 
who very strictly attended to it ; and at an early age 
he was disposed to favor Christianity Being endow- 
ed with a native eloquence, he devoted himself to the 
study of rhetoric, and gave abundant instances of his 
oratorical abilities. Having pleaded a short time in 
the forum, he began to find a vacancy in his mind, not 
to be supplied by secular arts and studies. It seems 
that the spirit of God affected his heart, and from that 
time drew his attention to the study of the Scriptures. 

He soon had recourse to the fashionable supersti- 
tion, retired from society, and imposed on himself the 
most severe austerities. In this situation, he lived 
till the bishop of Antioch promoted him to the office 
of a presbyter in his diocese, where he discharged his 
duties with great fidelity and perseverance. At a 
certain time, the people of Antioch were, by their se- 
ditious conduct, reduced to a state of very great dis- 
tress. Many of the inhabitants were imprisoned, and 
all in fear and consternation, expected the wrath of 
the emperor. John very properly improved the op- 
portunity to exhort them to repentance, and rendered 
9* 



102 JOHN CHRYSOSTOM. [GENT. V. 

their awful suspense, an instructive emblem of the 
day of judgment. At the same time, his spirit was 
softened and overawed with the mingled sensations of 
pity and devotion. While he observed the severe 
proceedings of the courts, and the vain intercessions 
of relations for husbands and fathers, he was led to 
reflect how r awful the day of judgment will be, when 
not a mother, sister, or father can arrest the course 
of divine justice, or give the least relief to the near- 
est relation. 

In the year 398, Chrysostom was appointed bishop 
of Constantinople. He began immediately to attempt 
the reformation of his diocese. He preached, pray- 
ed, exhorted, commanded, and in many respects, ef- 
fected a reformation. The common people heard 
him gladly ; but the great and the rich were soon ex- 
asperated ; and the clergy, indolent and corrupt, ve- 
hemently opposed him ; and attempted his ruin. But 
seeking to obey God rather than man, Chrysostom en- 
larged his plans for doing good, and persevered with 
unremitting assiduity. However, a combination of 
events finally conspired against him. A synod, man- 
aged by Theophilus, his determined enemy, and sup- 
ported by Eudoxia the empress, most unjustly con- 
demned him. At the same time some of the bishops, 
who were his friends, assembled at his house. Chry- 
sostom, foreseeing the effects of the storm which was 
gathering around him, thus addressed them: " Breth- 
ren, be earnest in prayer ; and as you love our Lord 
Jesus, let none of you, for my sake, desert your 
charge. For as was St. Paul's case, I am ready ta 
be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I 
see I must undergo many hardships, and then quit this 
troublesome life." The assembly being afflicted 
with vehement sorrow, he besought them to moderate 
their grief, saying, u For me to live is Christ, and to 
die is gain. I always told you, this life is a road, in 
\vhich joys and sorrows pass swiftly away. The visi- 



CENT. V.J JOHN CHRYSOST05I. 103 

ble scene of things before us, is like a fair, where we 
buy, and sell, and sometimes recreate ourselves. 
Are we better than the Patriarchs ? Do we excel the 
Prophets and Apostles, that we should live here for- 
ever r" 

The friends of the bishop, however, insisted on his 
being heard by more equitable judges, and so greatly 
were they agitated, that Chrysostcm, fearing a popu- 
lar insurrection, secretly delivered himself up to the 
officer, who came to execute the imperial warrant 
against him. He was conveyed immediately to a port 
of the Black Sea. As soon as it was known, that he 
was gone, the whole city was in an uproar ; and the 
tumult at length became so violent, that Eudoxia her- 
self, frighted at the danger- pressed her husband to 
recal him ; and even wrote to Chrysostcm, a letter 
full of professions of sorrow and respect. Chryscs- 
*tom was therefore restored to his bishopric in peace. 
But this calm soon terminated. A silver statue of 
the empress, was solemnly erected in the street, just 
before the great church of St. Sophia. The people 
were accustomed there to meet and indulge in sports 
and pastimes, to the distraction of the congregation. 
The bishop, impatient of these things, censured them 
from the pulpit ; and with great imprudence, began 
his sermon as follows: " Now again Herodias raves 
and is vexed, again she dances, again she desires 
John's head in a charger." 

The enemies of the bishop could not desire a great* 
er advantage. Numbers were ready to gratify the 
resentment of Eudoxia ; and Arcadius, overcome by 
importunity, again ordered his deposition. He was 
suspended, and confined ; and his friends and followers, 
dispersed, rifled, killed, or imprisoned. Receiving, 
at length, a warrant signed by the emperor to depart, 
he once more retired from his see, and was conveyed 
to Cucusus in Armenia, a barren, cold region, infested 
with robbers. His journey to this place, was attend- 



104 AUGUSTINE. [CENT. V. 

ed with many grievous hardships, though sweetened 
with the compassionate care of various persons, who 
keenly sympathized with injured innocence. At Cu- 
cusus, however, he met with very generous treat- 
ment, preached frequently to a people who heard him 
gladly, and made vigorous attempts for the conversion 
of the Phoenicians, 

His enemies, beholding, with an evil eye, the res- 
pect every where paid to him, procured an order for 
his removal to Pityus., the very shore of the Black 
Sea. On his way there, he was brought to an Orato- 
ry, where he desired rest ; but his guards who had 
treated him with brutal ferocity, refused him the in- 
dulgence. Nature was, however, exhausted. He 
had not gone four miles before he was so extremely 
ill, that they w r ere obliged to return wiih him. Here 
he received the Lord s Supper, made his last prayer 
before them all, and having concluded with his usual, 
doxology, " Glory to God for all events," he breath- 
ed out his soul in the fifty-third year of his age, in the 
year 407. 

AUGUSTINE. 

From the latter end of the third century, to the 
former part of the fifth, we have seen a gradual de- 
clension of godliness. Toward the close of the fifth 
century, God interposed with a second great effusion 
of his Spirit, and the church arose from its ruins, at 
least in some parts of the empire. The great instru- 
ment of this work was Augustine, the bishop of Hippo. 
By a Very remarkable work of divine grace on his own 
soul, he was qualified to contend with growing cor- 
ruptions, and illuminate the regions of darkness. 

In his Confession, we have a long and interesting 
account of his conversion. A short abridgment will 
strikingly evince the power of divine grace, displayed 
in this wonderful man. 



CENT. V.] AUGUSTISE. 105 

In the first part of his confession, he speaks of the 
native depravity of his heart ; acknowledges, that 
from infancy, it was at enmity against God. 

He next confesses the scenes of baseness and car- 
nal corruptions, through which he passed in youth. 
The voice of his carnal desires rendered him deaf to 
the voice of conscience, and caused him to burst all 
legal bonds, and plunge from depth to depth in wick- 
edness. 

His father made the greatest efforts for his im- 
provement, and sent him to Carthage, that he might 
enjoy the best advantages. 

But his «iother, ever mindful of the good of his 
soul, prayed for him with unabating fervor, and intreat- 
ed a certain bishop, to undertake to reason him out of 
his errors. " Your son," said he, cc is too much ela* 
ted, at present, and carried away with the pleasing 
novelty of his errors, to attend to my arguments. Let 
him alone, only continue praying for him, he will, in 
the course of his study, discover his errors." All this 
satisfied not the anxious mother. With floods of 
tCaTs she persisted in her request, when at last the 
bishop, a little out of temper on account of her impor- 
tunity, said, " Begone, good woman, it is not possible 
that a child of such tears should perish." 

For the space of nine years, from the nineteenth to 
the twenty-eighth year of his age, he lived deceived 
and deceiving others, seducing his acquaintances into 
various lusts, aid in all things seeking vain glory. 
He maintained himself, at this time, by instructing in 
Rhetoric ; and taught his pupils, not how to oppress 
the innocent, but sometimes how 7 to vindicate the 
guilty. 

An unexpected occurrence of Providence induced 
him to remove from Carthage to Rome. He stole 
away from the fond embraces of his mother, and left 
her weeping behind. But while her son was in the 
mire of sin, while her tears watered the earth, and 



106 AUGUSTINE. [CENT. V. 

her prayers ascended as incense before the throne of 
God, the time drew nigh, in which her mourning was 
turned into rejoicing, and her spirit of supplication, ta 
that of praise and thanksgiving. 

From Rome, he went to Milan, and became a pro- 
fessor of Rhetoric. There he waited on Ambroses 
was affectionately received by him, and conceived a 
fond attachment for him. He attended his lectures, 
not with an expectation of profiting by them, but with 
a curious desire of discovering whether fame had 
done justice to his eloquence. He stood indifferent 
and fastidious with respect to the matter, and at the 
same time was delighted with the sweetness of his 
manner. But the truths, which he at first neglected; 
were at length enforced on his mind, and they brought 
him gradually to attend to the doctrine of the bishop. 

His mother, courageous in all danger, and sure of 
the Divine protection, followed him by land and sea. 
When he told her his present situation, she expressed 
her confident opinion, that before she left this w T orld, 
she should see him a sound believer. 

Every Lord's day, he attended on the ministry of 
Ambrose, and was more and more convinced of the 
truth of his doctrine. Still he was \vretchedly un- 
happy. 

The more light he received, the farther he seemed 
from God. He trembled with horror ; and the bit- 
terness of his soul became unutterable. With eager- 
ness, he took up the volume of inspiration, saw a uni- 
form consistency through the whole, and was confirm- 
ed in the doctrinal views, though his heart remained 
unchanged. 

In this fluctuating state, he seemed like one desi- 
rous of awaking, but sinking again into sleep. " By 
and by- — shortly— lei me dime a little" These were the 
feelings of his heart. But " by and by" had no bounds, 
and " let me alone a Utile ^ went a great length. His 
anxiety increased, and he daily groaned under the 
weight of his guilt. 



CENT. V.] AUGUSTINE. 107 

On a certain day a pious friend came to visittfmn, 
and gave him an account of two of his companions, 
who had suddenly renounced the world and given them- 
selves up to God. This narration excited every feel- 
ing of his heart ; and he used every motive to urge 
forward his reluctant spirit. But his arguments were 
spent; a silent trepidation remained, and deliverance 
itself he dreaded as death. " What is this," said he 
to Alypius ; " illiterate men rise up and seize heaven, 
while we, with all our learning, are rolling in the tilth 
of sin. In the agitation of his spirit, he retired into 
the garden. Alypius followed. They sat down, and 
with vehement indignation Augustine rebuked his sin- 
ful spirit, because it would not give itself up to God. 
He found he wanted a will. When deep meditation 
had collected all his misery into the view of his heart, 
a storm arose producing a large shower of tears. To 
give it vent, he arose hastily, went from his friend, 
prostrated himself under a figtree, and with tears 
bursting out, spake to this effect : " How long, Lord, 
wilt thou be angry ? forever ? Remember not my old 
iniquities, for I perceive myself entangled by them. 
How long shall I say to-morrow ? Why should not this 
hour put an end* to my misery ?" As he spake, and 
wept in the bitterness of his soul, he was impressed 
with the idea, that he must return immediately to his 
friend, with whom he had left St. Paul's Epistles, and 
read. He did, seized the book, opened it, and read as 
follows : " Not in rioting, and drunkenness, not in 
chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying ; 
but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not pro- 
vision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof." Im- 
mediately, at the end of ihis sentence all his doubts 
vanished. He closed the book, and with a tranquil 
countenance gave it to his friend. After some farther 
conversation with Alypius, he went to his mother, car- 
ried her the joyful news of his conversion ; who now 
triumphed in the abundant answers given to her 



108 AUGUSTINE. [CENT* V. 

prayers, and received the oil of joy for mourning, and 
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. 

With the most lively and devout emotions he thus 
acknowledges the hand of God in his conversion. — 
" Lord, I am thy servant, and the son of thy hand- 
maid. Thcu hast broken my bonds in sunder. Let 
my heart, and tongue, and all my bones say, Lord, 
who is like unto thee ? and do thou answer me, and 
say to my soul, I am thy salvation. Who and what 
am I ? What evil am I not ? The whole of my evil lay 
in a will, stubbornly set in opposition to thine. How 
sweet was it, to be freed in a moment from those de- 
lightful vanities, to lose which had been my dread, to 
part with which was now my joy. Thou ejectedst 
them, my true and consummate delight, and thou 
enteredst in their room. sweeter than all pleasure, 
but not to flesh and blood ; clearer than all light, but 
to the inner man ; higher than all honor, but not to 
those who are hkh in their own eyes. Now was my 
soul set free from the corroding cares of avarice, and 
ambition, and lust ; and communed with playful ease, 
with thee my light, my riches, my Saviour, and my 
God." 

He determined to quit his employment and unite 
himself to the church, wrote to -Ambrose an account of 
his conversion, and soon after received baptism. He 
was, at that time, in a very delightful frame of mind, 
and could not be satisfied with contemplating the mys- 
tery of redemption. The hymns and songs of the church 
moved his soul intensely ; divine truth, was by them 
distilled into his heart ; they kindled the flame of piety, 
and his tears flowed for joy. 

Augustine and his mother concluded toleave Milan, 
and while they were making preparations for return- 
ing to Africa, they conversed together in a manner 
highly agreeable to both. Forgetting the past, they 
looked forward into the boundless regions of eternity. 
That moment the world appeared to them of no va- 



CENT. V.] PELAGIAN CONTROVERSY 109 

lue ; and his mother said, " Son, I have no delight irt 
life. What have I to do here ? and why am I here ? 
I know not ; the hope of this life being quite spent. — * 
One thing only, your conversion, was an object for 
which I wished to live. My God has given me this 
in a large measure." Scarcely five days after she 
fell into a fever, and departed this life on the ninth 
day of her illness, in the fifty-sixth year of her age. 

Augustine, after the death of his mother, returned 
to Africa, and lived nearly three years in retirements 
A desire of obliging a person, of some consequence, in 
Hippo, brought him, at length, to that city. Through 
the strong and urgent desire of that people, he was 
there elected Bishop. Here his ministry was useful 
in the instruction and edification of the brethren ; and 
also in the defeat of various heresies; and the doctrines 
of faith, hope, and charity, were by his means, diffus- 
ed and enforced with increasing vigor, throughout the 
Western world. 

THE PELAGIAN CONTROVERSY. 

Augustine is so conspicuous in this controversy, that 
we may with propriety introduce it in this place. 

At this time, while the Spirit of God was in a great 
measure withdrawn, a new heresy, altogether exclu- 
sive of the operations of the Spirit began to be preva- 
lent. This was Pelagiaaism. It introduced a con- 
troversy of unspeakable importance, attended with 
lasting and extensive consequences ; and was, even- 
tually, a great means of introducing juster views of the 
doctrines of grace ; and of reviving Christian truth, 
humility and piety. 

Pelagius was born in Britain. Coelestius, his part- 
ner in the propagation of this heresy, was an Irish- 
man. The heretical opinions of Pelagius did not 
appear, until he was far advanced in life, in the 
vear 404 or 405. By a dexterity, very common to a 
10 

- 



HO AUGUSTINE.* [CENT, t* 

heretics, Palagius, while he laid open to his converts 
the whole mystery of his doctrines, imparted only so 
much to others, as might be more calculated to ensure 
their affections, than to inform them of his real opin- 
ions. 

Pelagianism was, however, found to be little more 
than a revival of Deism, or what is commonly called 
natural religion. Palagius maintained, that Adam would 
have died whether he had sinned or not; that men 
might be saved by the law, as well as by the gospel ; 
that infants just born are in the same state as Adam 
was before transgression. 

Pelagius went from place to place, scattering his 
heretical sentiments throughout the Roman empire ; 
and so rapidly did they spread, that the Christian pub- 
lic became exceedingly alarmed, formed a combina- 
tion against the heretics, and the sect underwent & 
general condemnation. 

The party was, however, indefatigable ; and it was 
found that nothing but sound argument could extirpate 
the heresy. The bishop of Hippo was eminently qua- 
lified for this business ; again he assumed his pen, and 
for more than twenty years employed himself in wri- 
ting and preaching against the heresy. 

The heresiarchs could not withstand the arguments 
of this Christian hero ; in silent despair they beheld 
the destruction of their system, and were finally redu- 
ced to an almost insufferable state of obscurity. 

Such were the rise, progress, and consequences of 
the most important heresy in the church of Christ. 
There must indeed be heresies, cc that they which are 
Approved may be made manifest." 



CENT. V.| AUGUSTINE. Ill 

AUGUSTINE'S CONDUCT TOWARDS THE 
DONATISTS. 

The bishop of Hippo, beside the care of the Afri- 
can churches, and the peculiar inspection of his own 
diocese, was assiduously employed against the Pela- 
gians, the Manichees, and the Donatists. The two 
former sects he in a measure eradicated ; the last he 
opposed with much success. 

Some of the Donatists, were, comparatively speak- 
ing, a mild and peaceable people ; others, called the 
Circumcelliones, were a mere banditti, sons of vio- 
lence and bloodshed, w r ho neither valued their own 
lives, nor the lives of their neighbors, and were re- 
markable for committing suicide in a fit of frenzy. 
They had a peculiar malice against the pastors of the 
.general church ; waylaid them from time to time, at- 
tacked them with armed forces, mutilated or even 
killed them. 

There was nothing peculiarly doctrinal in their 
whole scheme. They differed from the general church 
only concerning a matter of fact ; namely, whether 
Caecilian had been legally ordained. The Donatists 
were crumbled into parties, and subdivided into small 
bodies. Each party condemned all the others, pre- 
tended to monopolize the truth, and all united in con- 
demning the general church. 

When Augustine saw the vast numbers of them with 
which Africa swarmed, and heard of the horrible out- 
rages committed by them, he felt the necessity of ex- 
ercising civil restraints ; but shuddered at the thought 
of exposing the whole sect to the penal laws of the 
Empire. He therefore w r rote to the imperial court, 
expressing his opinion, that the lawless and savage 
conduct of the Circumcelliones, ought to be restrain- 
ed by the civil sword ; but desired that no other arms 
should be used against the peaceable Donatists but 
preaching and argument. 



112 AUGUSTINE. [€ENT. V* 

Other bishops of Africa, in their immoderate zeal, 
wrote to the imperial court, and urged the importance 
of exercising civil restraint toward the whole sect of 
the Donatists. Imperial edicts were therefore issued 
against them, which so affected the Circumcelliones, 
that many of them with much humility and joy, and 
with every mark of genuine repentance, returned to 
the bosom of the church. 

Moved by the effects, rather than the reason of the 
case, the bishop of Hippo endeavored to support in 
his writings, the justice and reasonableness of the im- 
perial methods against the Donatists. It is certain, 
however, that he continued extremely tender in his 
conscience, repeatedly, and earnestly pressed the 
magistrates, on no account to shed blood ; and in all 
his writings t and conduct on this occasion, demon- 
strated that he was led by principle, by the fear of 
God, and by a charitable compassion for the good of 
souls. 

Donatism, under the pious and argumentative la- 
bours of Augustine, received a fatal blow ; and the 
sect gradually dwindled into obscurity. 

By the suppression of this sect, the ecclesiastical 
affairs in Africa were meliorated, and a great acces- 
sion was made to the general church. 



A SHORT REVIEW OF AUGUSTINE'S WORKS, AND 
AN ACCOUNT OF HIS DEATH. 

Augustine's " City of God" deserves an unqualified 
commendation. The capture of Rome by Alaric the 
Goth, and the subsequent plunder and miseries of the 
imperial city, opened the mouths of Pagans, and 
caused the true God to be blasphemed. Christianity 
was considered the cause of these evils ; and the sen- 
timent was so generally believed, that Augustine, in 
his zeal for the glory of God, wrote this treatise, 



CENT. V.] AL'GUSTINL* 113 

The work consists of twenty books. He first shews 
that Paganism could do nothing for men in temporal 
things ; and that it was totally insignificant with res- 
pect to the future life. He then describes the rise, 
progress, and issue of the two states, namely, the city 
of God and the world. The history of both, and the 
different genius and spirit of each, are conceived with 
energy, and illustrated with copiousness and perspi- 
cuity. 

He refutes the various presumptions of those, who 
expect to escape the damnation of hell, without a 
sound conversion ; and closes, with a delightful view" 
of the eternal felicity of the church of God. 

In the method of catechising, he recommends to 
begin with narration, and to give the pupils a clear 
and succinct view of the great facts, relative to our 
religion, as contained in both the Old Testament and 
the New. In doing this, he recommends that the 
teacher refer every thing which he relates, to the 
plan of divine love in the gift of Jesus Christ ; de- 
scribe the fall, the redemption, and the method of 
God in winning back the apostate spirits of men to 
love him, in return for his free love to us in Jesus 
Christ. 

When the catechist has finished his narration, he 
should add exhortation, laying open the hope of re- 
surrection, and the awful views of divine Judgment, 
of heaven and hell. He should arm the catechumen 
against the scandals and temptations to which he maj 
be exposed from the perverseuess of heretics, the 
tnalice of open enemies, or the evil lives of nominal 
Christians, And he is particularly to be directed, 
how to please God, to live a holy life, and adorn the 
doctrine of God our Saviour. 

His exposition of the Psalms is full of pious senti- 
ments. He often breaks out into beautiful and pa- 
thetic observations, sees Christ every where, and i§ 
delighted with the prophetic vision, of the Psalmist* 
10* 



114 AUGUSTINE. [GENT. V. 

His treatise on the Trinity is very elaborate. All, 
perhaps, that has ever been said In vindication and 
explanation of that great mystery, is contained in this 
book. It is in perfect unison with the expositions 
and sentiments of all the pious men who succeed him. 
The introduction of his prayer, at the close, is very 
striking. u O Lord our God, we believe in Thee, 
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. For the 
Truth would not have said, Go baptize all nations, in 
the name of three, if thou wert not a Trinity. Nor 
wouldst thou have ordered us to be baptized in the 
name of him, who is not God." 

Amidst the multiplied and arduous employments of 
Augustine, he found time to manage a large epistolary 
correspondence ; in which he admonishes, comforts, 
and instructs his friends. In one of his letters, he 
cautions his friend against the pride of secular learn- 
ing, representing humility to be the first, the second, 
the third, the all, in true religion. 

Augustine was not suffered to depart this life with- 
out a cloud of grievous afflictions. Genseric, king of 
the Vandals, invaded Africa, and treated the inhabi- 
tants with the most unmerciful and barbarous ferocity. 
To the tender mind of Augustine, the devastation of 
the country, the cruelty inflicted on the pastors, the 
desolation of the churches, and the destruction of all 
church order, was peculiarly afflictive. 

In the midst of these calamities, he was seized 
with a fever, which terminated his life, at the age 
of seventy, six, in the year 430. He did not cease to 
repent, until he ceased to live. He had David's per 
nitential psalms inscribed on the wall in his last sick- 
ness, and read and wept abundantly. For ten days 
previous to his death, he desired not to be interrupt- 
ed, spent his time mostly in devotional exercises, and 
continued a supplicating penitent, until he was releas- 
ed from the bondage of sin and mingled with the 
saints in glory. 



G-ENT. V.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 115 
JEROxM. 

This renowned monk was born at Stridon, a town 
on the confines of Dalmatia, in the year 331. He 
was the most learned man of the Roman fathers, and 
was eminent both for genius and industry. 

Having finished his education at Rome, he travelled 
into France, examined libraries, collected information 
from all quarters, and then devoted himself to the 
profession of a monk. 

Jerom was addicted to spleen and calumny, al- 
though apparently humble before God, truly pious, 
and devoutly engaged in the service of his divine Mas- 
ter. 

His reputation, as a man of knowledge and abili- 
ties, has been much overrated. His learning, com- 
bined with much ignorance, gave celebrity to super- 
stition, and darkened the light of the gospel. Yet his 
voluminous writings were sound in the essentials of 
Christianity ; and occasionally a vigorous and evan- 
gelical sentiment breaks out amidst the clouds of su- 
perstition. 

He died at the age of ninety, in the year 422. 

Many other Christian authors of this century might 
be mentioned, whose lives evince them to be the ser- 
vants of God, and whose writings testify their belief in 
the distinguishing doctrines of the Bible; namely, the 
depravity and helplessness of human nature, the neces- 
sity of regenerating grace, the influence of the Spirit, 
the Deity of the Son of God, the future misery of the 
wicked and the everlasting enjoyment of the saints in 
heaven. 

CHAPTER II. 

GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH IN THIS GEKTVR7. 

It is time again to take up the connected thread of 
history, though only a short sketch will be expected, 



116 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. T. 

On the death of Theodosius, the empire was rent 
asunder by various convulsions. But amidst scenes 
of desolation, the real church lived, while the secu- 
lar glory of Rome was departing. Honorius, the son 
of Theodosius, reigned in the west, while his brother 
Arcadius governed at Constantinople. Honorius pro- 
tected the church, and followed the example of The* 
odosius, in extirpating the remains of idolatry, sup-* 
pressing heretical opinions, and in supporting orthodoxy. 

One of the greatest ornaments of Gaul in this cen~ 
tury, was Germanus, bishop of Auxerre. He was 
unanimously elected bishop by the clergy, nobility, 
citizens, and peasants ; and notwithstanding the great 
reluctance which he discovered, he was compelled to 
accept the office. He founded monasteries, enriched 
the church while he impoverished himself, and for 
thirty years lived in extreme austerity. 

About the year 430 he was called to visit Great- 
Britain, and oppose the Pelagians who had infected 
that region. He immediately set out, and in compa- 
ny with Lupus, bishop of Troyes, came to the place, 
and held a conference with the Pelagians. The doc- 
trines of grace were debated, the two bishops support- 
ed their sentiments by express passages of Scripture, 
silenced their opponents, and came oif victorious. 

Having defended the doctrines of grace, preached 
in various places to large and anxious assemblies, bap- 
tized great numbers, and rendered other essential 
services to that people, the two bishops returned to 
the continent 

Li the year 448 Germanus was requested to visit 
Britain the second time ; he complied with the invi- 
tation., opposed the Pelagians, with great success, and 
baffled the attempts of those, who disturbed the faith of 
Christians and brought dishonor on the cause of Chris f. 

His authority was very great, and constantly em- 
ployed in the propagation of Christian doctrines to the 
benefit of society, and the good of immortal goals. He 
died in the year 448. 



CENT. V.] GENERAL STATE OP THE eKURfH. 117 

The next sectarianism which disturbed the church 
vras Semipelagianism. It was very prevalent in Gaul, 
and in various other places. This doctrine strongly 
recommends itself to the depraved taste of mankind. 
It divides the work of salvation between free grace 
and human ability, in such a manner, that it both re- 
tains a specious appearance of humility toward God, 
and at the same time flatters the pride of man. 

The benign influences of the gospel began, in this 
century, to be felt in the barbarous country of Scot- 
land. Palladius was the first bishop of that country. 
He arrived there in the year 431 , and found the in- 
habitants' in a state of extreme barbarism. He was 
succeeded by Patrick, who having continued there a 
short time was providentially removed to Ireland. 
He was remarkable for his unwearied zeal, and la- 
bored with so much success, that to this day, he i* 
considered the Apostle of that country. He died ia 
an advanced age in the year 460. 

About the year 439 Genseric, king of the Vandals, 
surprised and took Carthage, in the midst of peace, and 
exercised the greatest cruelty towards the inhabitants. 

He was an Arian by profession, aud the same un- 
principled conduct which ever characterized that par- 
ty, was conspicuous in this unfeeling tyrant. He shew- 
ed the greatest malice towards the bishops, banished 
some, tortured others ; many he compelled to suffer 
martyrdom; and when a few, who still remained Li the 
provinces, presented themselves before him, and en- 
treated, that, as they had lost their churches and their 
wealth, they might at least, be allowed to remain in 
Africa without molestation: "I have resolved to leave 
none of your name or nation,' 3 was the reply of the 
stern barbarian. With much difficulty, he was with- 
held from ordering them to be thrown into the sea. 

During this persecution, a number of godly persons, 
having endured a variety of hardships and tortures, 
were delivered into ths hands of Capsuiyking of the 



118 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. V. 

Moors, a relation of Genseric. They were brought 
to the desert where he lived, and were led to com- 
miserate the wretched condition of the inhabitants. 
Ever solicitous for the good of souls, and the advance- 
ment of the Redeemer's kingdom, they taught the 
barbarians of that country the knowledge of God, and 
were instrumental in leading a great number to emr 
brace the Christian religion, in a country where the 
name of Jesus had never before been heard. Gense- 
ric heard of their pious endeavors, and was so iiiceip 
sed against them, that he condemned them to death. 
The converted Moors mourned and wept, and the 
martyrs, as they passed them, said to each one, 
4i Brother, pray for us ; God has accomplished our de- 
sires ; this is the way to the heavenly kingdom." 

Such was the dismal state of Africa. Indeed the 
growing abominations seemed to call for such a 
scourge The light of divine grace had revived in the 
west, purifiefl a precious few, and fitted them for 
suffering. But with the majority, both superstition 
and prelatical wickedness increased. Carthage was 
a sink of vice. Lewdness, oppression and injustice 
were so prevalent, that the dominion of the barbari- 
ans w as more tolerable than that of the Romans. 

The whole empire of the West was. at this tiftfe, 
falling into ruin. Odoacer, king of Heruli, 
self master of Rome in the year 476- Africa; we have 
seen^ bowed under the ^cke of the Vane 
and a great part of Gaul was held in subjection by the 
Goths ; and the southern part of (Jreat-Rritain was 
overpowered by the idolatrous Saxons. All these con- 
querors were enemies to godliness. Indeed, it was 
a gloomy season to the whole western church. Chris- 
tians had long abused the mercies of God ; and in the 
dispensations of his providence, he poured out his 
wrath, and exhibited tokens of his displeasure. 

Genseric died in the year 477, and was succeeded 
by his eldest son Huneric. He be^an his reign with 



&e:;t. v.] general state ©f the church. 119 

a mild aspect towards the Christians, and permitted 
them to ordain a bishop at Carthage. Eugenius was 
elected, and all mankind bore testimony to his virtues. 
But Huneric began gradually to show the ferocity of 
his nature, by exercising more barbarous cruelly to- 
ward the faithful,. than his predecessor had done. He 
put many to death, and 4976, he at one time confined 
in the most filthy prison, and then delivered them to 
the Moors to be driven into the deserts. V» hen ta- 
ken from prison, they were covered with filth, and 
while approaching the deserts, they appeared trium- 
phant in suffering, and sang, u Such honor have all 
the saints." 

There is a voice in man, which speaks loudly in fa- 
vor of suffering innocence. The whole country re- 
sounded with the cries and groans of people, who 
flocked to behold them, and threw their children at 
their feet, saying, " Alas, to whom do you leave us ? 
Who shall baptize these children ? \\ ho shall admi- 
nister the Lord's Supper to us ? Why are we not 
permitted to go with you ?" With tears in their eyes 
the sufferers replied, " God's will be done." During 
their march they were treated with the most brutal 
ferocity. Some, who were unable to advance, the 
Moors pricked forward with their javelins, or threw 
stones at them. Such as were not able to walk, they 
tied by the feet and dragged on the ground. Many 
died on the march, and the remainder arrived at the 
deserts, and were fed with barley. 

Huneric, as though the very soul of Gelarius had 
been bound up in him, pursued his sanguinary designs 
with unrelenting cruelty. He sent executioners 
among the laity, who whipped, hanged, and burned 
alive the faithful. 

At length, after a horrible reign of seven years and 
ten months, the tyrant died of a disease in which he 
was corroded with worms, a signal monument @f Di- 
vine justice. 



120 GENERAL STATE OP THE CHURCH. [fcENT. t< 

Huneric was succeeded by Gontamond, bis nephew. 
He put a stop to the persecution, recalled the banish- 
ed, and established the worship of God. He died in 
the year 499 and was succeeded by Thrasainond. 

Theodoric, the Ostrogoth, conquered Odoacer, and 
made himself complete master of all Italy. Perceiv- 
ing the desolations of that country, and that the Bur- 
gundians had carried away captive many of the inhabi- 
tants, he wished to redeem them, and employed 
Epiphanius, bishop of Pavia, to intercede with the 
Burgundians for that purpose. He executed the em- 
bassy with wonderful success. This excellent bishop 
was born in Pavia, in the year 438. From early life, 
he was engaged in the cause of truth, and devoted him- 
self wholly to the service of God, and the good of man- 
kind. He was often successfully employed in public 
affairs, negotiated peace, interceded for the redemp- 
tion of captives, and softened the horrors of war. 

About the year 496, Clovis, king of the Franks, en* 
tered Gaul, subdued the barbarian invaders, and by 
carnage and violence, founded the French monarchy. 
Although wicked, ambitious, and cruel, he was, through 
the means of his pious wife, honored as an instrument 
of much good. Clotilda, his wife, was zealous for the 
doctrine of the Trinity, firmly persevered in the apos- 
tolic faith, reasoned with her husband on the vanity of 
idols, and preached Christianity to him with much sin- 
cerity. Although he continued inflexible, she perse- 
vered in her exhortations. Having on a certain occa- 
sion, experienced a remarkable interposition of Provi- 
dence, and being affected with a sense of divine good- 
dess, Clovis submitted to the instructions of a bishop, 
was baptized, and nominally embraced Christianity. 
His sister and 3000 of his army followed his exam- 
ple. 

During this century we behold the gradual and alarm- 
ing growth of superstition, and see the despised and J 
desolated church, overborne by heretics and barba-l 



CENT. V.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 124 

rous Pagans. Still she lived in Italy, Spain, France ? 
and Britain. In Italy and Spain, Christianity was only 
tolerated; in Britain, confined to the mountains of 
Wales and Cornwall ; in France, ready to rise into 
eminence ; and in Africa, just recovered from a dread- 
ful scourge in which she gloriously triumphed. 

The vices which tarnished the Western church, were 
superstition, and polemic subtlety. These prevailed 
very generally, and to a much higher degree, in the 
East ; still the Spirit of Cod condescended to move 
amidst the chaos, and form his image in the souls of a 
precious few. 

During a part of the reign of Theodosius, the Chris- 
s in Persia, were kindly protected, and allowed to 
propagate the gospel. But the imprudent conduct of 
an individual exasperated the king, and so inflamed 
his passions, that he afflicted them with outrageous 
barbarity; and laid the foundation of a cruel persecu- 
tion, which continued thirty years. 

Theodosius reigned 41 years. He appeared toiear 
God, and contributed to the promotion of religion ; yet 
he was a feeble prince, and held the reigns of govern- 
ment with a remiss and negligent hand. The public 
were, however, more than compensated by the wise 
and energetic efforts of his sister. Her meekness, 
discretion, and superior capacity, enabled her to gain 
a complete ascendency over her brother, and to man- 
the affairs of government with very great success. 

Theodosius died in the year 450, leaving his sister 
sole mistress of the Eastern empire. Slie gave her- 
self in marriage to Marcian, whom she made emperor, 
lie was renowned for his exertions in favor of religion, 
The preservation of orthodoxy, the encouragement of 
I morals, and u the destruction of idolatry were his 
favorite objects. He died in the year 457. 

One circumstance belonging to the reign oi' Theo- 
dosius deserves to be inserted. A Jewish impostor of 
Crete pretended that he was Moses, and that he had 
11 



122 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. W 

been sent from heaven to undertake the care of the 
Cretian Jews. He preached a year in the island, with 
a view to induce them to obey his directions. He 
exhorted them to leave their employments and pos- 
sessions, and promised to conduct them safely over 
sea, and bring them into the land of promise. Num- 
bers were so infatuated as to neglect their business, 
take their wives and little ones, and follow the im- 
postor. When he had led them to a promontory, he 
ordered them to throw themselves into the sea. These, 
who were at the brink of the precipice, leaped down, 
and many of them perished. ihers would have shared 
the same fate, had not a number of fishermen been 
present, who ssrVed their lives. These, enlightened 
at length by experience, prohibited the pthers from 
making the leap. They all then sought the impostor, 
in orderlo destroy him; but he instantly made his es- 
cape, and many of the Cretian Jews, disgusted with 
his conduct, and convinced that blindness had happen- 
ed to Israel, were on this occasion brought over to the 
Christian faith. 

Heresies continued during this century to distract 
the church; the appearance of things was even dis- 
gusting ; the prospect grew worse and worse ; doctri- 
nal feuds and malignant passions corroded the vitals of 
practical religion, and involved the whole in darkness 



and guilt. 



fllSY VI. 



CHAP. I. 

'*IIE LIFE OP FULGENTIUS, AND THE STATE OF THE 
CHURCH IN THIS CENTURY. 

In the year 498, a storm began again to hover over 
the African churches. Thrasamond commenced his 
reign at that time ; and was as obstinate an Arian as 
Huneric, though more sagacious, and less bloody. — 
He mingled the arts of severity and gentleness against 
the orthodox, strove to gain them by lucrative mc- 
^ tiv'es, and, at the same time, forbade the ordination 
of bishops in the vacant churches. However, the 
African bishops evinced by their conduct, that divine 
grace had not forsaken them ; unanimously determin- 
ed not to obey an order, which threatened the des- 
truction of gospel truth ; and proceeded to ordain 
bishops, and fill the vacant sees. Thrasamond, en- 
raged, determined to banish them all. Fulgentius had 
just been chosen bishop of Ruspee. A short review 
oi his life and works will afford a specimen of the pow- 
er of divine grace, victoriously struggling under ail the 
disadvantages of monastic superstition, and the child- 
ish ignorance of a barbarous age. 

Fulgentius descended from a noble family in Car- 
thage. He received a liberal edu Constan- 
tinople ; and there his mind became stored with Greek 
and Roman learning. 

As he advanced in age, he gradually became seri- 
ous ; was more and more inclined to a monastic life ; 
prepared himself for it by excessive austerities, and 
was. at length received into the monastery at Faustus. 



1 



124 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CE]*TU Vft 

He sustained severe bodily sufferings from the re- 
newal of the Arian persecution ; and was, at one time* 
so cruelly beaten with clubs, that the pain became 
almost insupportable. Some time after, he sailed 
Lito Syracuse, then visited Rome ; and on seeing king 
Theodoric in the midst of a magnificent assembly, re- 
flected : "If men in this life, while in the pursuit of 
vanity, attain such dignity, what will be the glory of 
saints, who seek true honor in the New-Jerusa- 
lem ?," 

Fulgentius was finally elected bishop of Ruspae in 
Africa ; but during the Arian persecution, was ban- 
ished into Sardinia, in company with two hundred and 
twenty faithful witnesses of orthodoxy. Thrasamond 
exerted himself to overcome the constancy of Chris- 
tians, and delighted to ensnare them with captious 
questions. He sent for Fulgentius, who came to Car- 
thage, and by his skill in argument, and readiness ii» 
answering questions, excited the king's admiration ; 
till through the advice of the Arian clergy, who con- 
sidered the presence of Fulgentius dangerous at Car- 
thage, he was remanded to Sardinia. 

In the year 523, Hilderic succeeded Thrasamond, 
favored the orthodox party, put a total end to the per- 
secution, and restored Fulgentius to his see. He 
lived among his flock from that time to his death, 
eminent for piety, humility and charity. For nearly 
seventy days during his last sickness, in which he suf- 
fered extreme bodily pain,, his constant prayer was, 
"Lord give me patience here, and rest hereafter." 
He died at length, as he had lived, an edifying exam- 
ple of Christian virtue. 

In his writings, he evinces his belief in the dis- 
tinguishing doctrines of the gospel, particularly, the 
total alienation of the heart from God, dependence on 
sovereign grace, the necessity of faith in Christ, and 
the Deity of the Son and of the Holy Ghost* 



CENT. VI. ] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 125 

la the former part of this century, the church in the 
West wore a dismal aspect. In the East the pros- 
pect was far more disagreeable. Factions and feuds, 
heretical perversions, and scandalous enormities fill 
up the scene. Under the emperor Justin, Christian- 
ity began at length, to wear a more agreeable aspect ; 
and peace, and good order, were, in a measure, res- 
tored to the church. 

During this reign the Christians, in Arabia Felix, 
were cruelly persecuted, by a king called Dounouas, 
a Jew, who caused all those who were unwilling to 
become Jews to be cast into pits full of fire. The king 
of Abyssinia invaded the territories of this cruel per- 
secutor, subdued his country, slew him, and deliver- 
ed the Arabian Christians. 

On the death of Justin, Justinian succeeded at Con- 
stantinople, in the year 527. He was then forty-five 
years old, and reigned thirty-nine. Few princes are 
known whdse real character* and ostensible, were so 
different. If one judge by externals, he appears one 
of the wisest, most pious, and most prosperous of 
men. lie reunited Africa and Italy to the Roman 
empire; was incessantly employed in religious acts 
and ceremonies; honored persons reputed holy; built 
sumptuous churches; endowed monasteries; was ir> 
defatigable in public affairs; rooted out idolatry from 
obscure corners; and brought over a number of bar 
barous kings and nations to the profession of Chris- 
tianity. 

But notwithstanding all this, he appears to have 
been in religion, the slave of superstition; in morali- 
ty, the slave of avarice. The evils which he wrought 
were palpable. Dissensions, and schisms, forced 
conversions, the miserable declension of internal god- 
liness, the increase of superstition, ignorance, and 
practical wickedness, were the undoubted consequen- 
ces of Justinian's schemes. 
II* 



126 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. VI-, 

This man attempted too much; he pressed unifor- 
mity of doctrine through the world ; labored to bring 
all nations to a nominal attachment to Christianity; 
prescribed what bishops and laity should believe; and 
was, in effect, the pope as well as the emperor of the 
Roman world. 

Justinian, in his old age, formed the opinion, that 
the body of Christ was incorruptible. Having em- 
braced the sentiment, he by an edict required the 
same of his subjects. Eutychius of Constantinople, 
sensible that this was not the doctrine of the Apos- 
tles, refused the publication of it. But the imperial 
mandate was stronger than the arguments of the bish- 
op. He was roughly treated, banished from his see, 
and died in exile. While the old imperial Pope was 
dictating the sentence of banishment against Anastasi- 
us and other prelates, he was seized with the stroke 
of death, and was succeeded by Justin, who recalled 
the bishops whom the late emperor had exiled. 

In the year 529 a council, memorable for its evan- 
gelical spirit, was held at Orange in France with Cse- 
sarius at its head. He had tasted the doctrine of 
Augustine concerning grace, and was therefore zea- 
lous for its propagation. Thirteen bishops composed 
the council. A passage or two from its canons, ex- 
press in substance, the sentiments of these holy men. 
u Adam's sin, 5 ' say they, " did not only hurt the body, 
but the soul. The being cleansed froni sin, and the 
beginning of our faith, are not owing to ourselves, 
but to grace. We are not able, by our own natural 
strength, to do or think any thing, which may conduce 
to our salvation. We believe that Abel, Noah, Abra- 
ham, and the Fathers, have not had that faith, by na- 
ture, that St. Paul commendeth in them, but by 
grace." 

Thus a plain testimony was at that time given to 
vital religion, and the work of the divine Spirit iloipr- 



CENT. VI. j GREGORY 127 

ished in the neighbourhood of Orange, and in the vi- 
cinity of the Rhone. 

Toward the close of the century, the Lombards 
came from Pannonia into Italy, and settled there, un- 
der Albonius their first king. As they were Ariansby 
profession, heresy again took root in Italy, whose in- 
habitants were called to endure all the horrors and 
miseries which a savage and victorious nation could 
inflict. In Britain there were, at this time, some ap- 
pearances of godliness. In Spain a revolution was 
effected, and orthodoxy established, by means of a 
pious princess. Thus while the gospel was rapidly 
withdrawing from the East, God left not himself with- 
out witness in the more distant parts of the West. 



CHAPTER II. 

LIFE OF GREGORY. 

Gregory was a Roman by birth, and descended 
from a noble family. Being religiously disposed, he 
assumed the monastic habit, and w r as eminently dis- 
tinguished by the progress which he made in piety. 
Having been drawn from the monastery, and ordained 
to the work of. the gospel ministry, he was sent from 
Rome to Constantinople to transact ecclesiastical af- 
fairs. 

After his return to Rome, there was so great an 
inundation of the Tiber, that it flowed upon the wails 
of the city, threw down monuments and ancient struc- 
tures, overflowed the granaries of the church, and des- 
troyed prodigious quantities of wheat. Immediately 
after, an infectious distemper invaded the city. 
Anion^ the first, Pelagius, the bishop, fell a victim to 



128 GREGORY. [CENT, VI. 

its rage. The destruction continued to prevail, -and 
many bouses were left without an inhabitant. In this 
season of distress the people were anxious to choose a 
bishop in the room of the deceased Pelagius; and by 
unanimous consent, the election fell upon Gregory. 
He, with that humility which formed invariably a 
trait in his character, earnestly refused; loudly pro- 
claimed his own airworthiness; and wrote to Mauri- 
tius, the successor of Tiberius, beseeching him to 
withhold his assent. But instead of withholding; his 
assent, the emperor confirmed his election. In the 
mean time, the plague continued; and Gregory, how* 
ever backward to receive the office of a bishop. Forgot 
not the duties of a pastor. 

An extract from one of his sermons preached at this 
time, may give us seme idea of his faithfulness. 
cc Beloved brethren, " he says, cc we ought to have 
feared the scourge of God before it came; at least, 
after having felt ^f,*let us tremble. Let grief open 
to U3 the passaged of conversion, and let the punish- 
ment which we feel dissolve the hardness of our 
hearts. For, to use the prophet's language, c The 
sword hath come even into our soul.' Our people, be- 
liqid, are smitten with a weapon of divine indignation, 
and each is carried off by the rapid devastation. Lan- 
guor does not precede death; hut death itself, with 
hasty strides, as you see, outstrips the tardy course of 
languor. Every person, who is smitten, is carried cfF 
Dj8iO|;e he has opportunity to bewail his sins. Conceive 
in what state that man will appear before his Judge, 
who is hurried off in the midst of his sins. Let each of 
us repent, while we have time to weep, before the 
sword! devours us. Let us call our ways to remem- 
brance. Let us come before his face with confession, 
and lift up our hearts with our hands to the Lord. Tru- 
ly he gives to our trembling hearts a confidence, who 
proclaims by the prophet, c I would not the death of a 

sinner, but rather that he' be converted and live.' " 

■ 



CENT. VI. j GREGORY. 129 

Public worship was concluded at this time, by the 
performance of a litany; and in one hour during this 
season of divine service, eighty persons died of the 
plague. 

Gregory persisted in praying and preaching, till the 
plague ceased; and was all the while as eager to avoid 
the honors of the episcopal office, as he was to dis- 
charge the duties of it. He even attempted to make 
his escape; but the gates were watched, and his flight 
for a time prevented. Finally he found means to be 
conveyed in a wicker basket out of the city, and con- 
cealed himself three days. The zealous search of 
the people at length discovered him, and he was com- 
pelled to enter upon his bishopric in the year 590. 

Gregory continued to discharge the duties of his 
office, and gave himself, so far as he could, to the care 
of souls. Humility and the fear of God were his ru- 
ling dispositions. 

The melancholy circumstances of his accession cor- 
responded with the gloomy state of the church: the 
East, almost universally fallen, the West, tarnished 
with superstition and a variety of wickedness. The 
ferocious Lombards rendered the whole period of his 
episcopacy disastrous beyond measure. 

He found time to expound the Scriptures, to per 
form the duties of a sedulous pastor, and to write 
much for the instruction of mankind. So deeply was 
he impressed with the prospects and hopes of immor- 
tality, that when oppressed with bodily infirmities, 
and in time of public perplexity, he could pursue a 
course of arduous labors, with patient and unremitting 
attention. 

A few extracts from his letters will assist the rea- 
der in forming a judgment of this great man. He re* 
minds the praetor of Sicily, whose duty it was to ser*d 
corn from that fruitful granary of the empire, to be 
just and equitable in, his dealings, to remember that 
life is short, that he must soon appear before the 



130 GREGORY. [CENT. VI. 

Judge of all; that he can carry none of his gains with 
him, and that only the causes and methods of his gains 
will follow him to judgment. 

Boniface, bishop of Rhegium, he handsomely r&? 
proved for boasting of the good deeds he had clone. 
He warns him to take care, that he do not mar the 
whole by ostentation, and adds, " What are we, dust 
and ashes, that we should covet the praise of men ! 
Him, you should please, whose coming w r e expeqt, 
and whose retribution knows no end." 

Speaking of his bodily sufferings to another friend, 
he says, " What ought we to do. but to call our sins 
to remembrance, andto thank God that he purines 
us by affliction in our flesh. Let ns take care, that 
we pass not from one degree of torment to another; 
and let us consider the goodness of God who threat- 
ens us with death, that he may imprint in us an edify- 
ing fear of judgment. Hew many sinners have con- 
tinued immersed in sin through life, and have sudden- 
ly been cast into hell V' He thus concludes, "May 
the Lord infuse into your soul these words, by the in- 
spiration of his spirit: cleanse you from your iniqui- 
ties; give you here the joy of his consolation, and 
eternal reward hereafter." 

At this period the peace of the church was much 
disturbed by John, bishop of Constantinople, who as*- 
simied the title of universal bishop. The pride and 
arrogance, with which he assumed it, were only equal- 
lea by the obstinacy with which he persevered. 
Gregory wrote with much vehemence against his 
haughtiness, laid down some memorable rules of hu- 
mility, and at the same time, laid the foundation of 
Popery, by manifesting high and unscriptural views of 
his own see, and of its relation to St. Peter. Grego- 
ry very innocently tolerated images in the church. 
Be showed people to make use of them as pieces of 
history, to instruct their minds in the great facts of 
Christianity; and at the same time, gave serious cau- 



GETNT. VI.-] GREGORY. f*l 

tion against paying any adoration to them, This well 
meant advice, however, was the means of much evil, 
and terminated in the most flagrant idolatry. 

Notwithstanding the eminent piety, integrity, and 
humility of Gregory, his character has been arraigned 
with great severity, on account of his conduct in the 
latter part of his life. He has been accused of great 
ingratitude toward the excellent and virtuous erispe- 
ror Mauritius, and of egregious flattery toward anoih- 
e?, who was profligate and tyrannical. 

A series of events excited in Gregory a strong pre- 
judice against the government of Mauritius. Avarice 
w r as the predominant feature of his character. This 
prevailed so much as to eclipse all his excellencies. 
Having seen the afflictive and suffering condition of 
his subjects, Gregory interceded for them in vain. 
Perceiving that their grievances were not redressed, 
he did not hesitate boldly to reprove the emperor, 
and condemn his impious conduct. 

One specimen of his avarice shall suffice. Sfiagan, 
of a Scythian nation, offered for a ransom compa- 
ratively small, to liberate some thousands of prison- 
ers. Bat Mauritius would not part with his money. 
and the barbarian in a rage massacred tbein oil. 
The emperor, though covetous, was not inhuman; he 
was struck with horror at the news, and besought God 
that his punishment might be in this life, and not in 
the next. The following circumstances show that 
his prayer, at least in part, was answered. Having by 
his avaricious conduct alienated the affection oi 
soldiers, they rebelled against him, and elevated Pho- 
cas, a centurion, to the imperial throne. Mauritius 
fled, but was seized, and inhumanly murdered with 
his wife and family. Five of his sons were slain in 
his sight, before he himself received the fatal stroke. 
The little spark of divine grace, which for years 
seems to have maintained a dubious existence in his 
heart, was fanned into a flame by the keen blast ef 



132 GREGORY, X CENT ' vrv 

affliction. lie bore the scene with silent resignation, 
repeating only, as each of his children was butchered, 
* c Righteous art thou, Lord, and true are thy judg- 
ments." 

Phocas was a monster of wickedness; but Gregory, 
undoubtedly ignorant of his real character, wrote him 
a letter of congratulation, and exults in the prospect 
of a wise, just, and pious administration. 

Whoever reads the story at large, will be convin- 
ced that Gregory was conscientious in all this, and 
influenced by motives truly benevolent. 

GREGORY'S CONDUCT WITH REGARD TO 
ENGLAND. 

This, also, has been a source of much accusation 
against the Roman prelate. Protestant writers, in 
their zeal against Popery, have ascribed to him a do- 
mineering spirit, and unjustly accused him with the 
bitterest acrimony. 

For nearly a century and a half, the gospel had 
been declining in Great- Britain; and though the form 
of Christianity remained, the power of it had become 
almost extinct. 

Gregory, before his consecration at Rome, walking 
one day in the forum, saw a number of very handsome 
youth exposed to sale. He made particular inquiry 
respecting them, and was informed, that they were 
Pagans; and came from the Island of Great-Britain. 
• c Alas," said he, deeply sighing, u that the prince of 
darkness should possess countenances so luminous; 
and that so fair a front should carry minds destitute of 
eternal life." Impressed with the importance of the 
object, he earnestly entreated the Roman bishop to 
send a missionary to that island, offered himself as one 
ready for the task; and nothing but the ofnciousness 
oi the Roman citizens, and their fond attachment te 
Gregory, prevented the work at that time. 



GENT. VI.] GREGORY. I8S 

It was the character of Gregory to pursue, with 
unwearied attention, any benevolent plan which he had 
©nee conceived ;« and in the year 595, a few years af- 
ter his consecration at Rome, he actually sent mission- 
aries into England. They were a number of monks, 
at the head of whom was Augustine. 

A remarkable concurrence of providential circum- 
stances facilitated the work, and gave it a more expe- 
ditious success than might have been expected from 
appearances. It is very observable, that the Lord 
frequently makes use of females in the propagation of 
the gospel among idolaters. Two queens were con- 
cerned in this work. One of them in particular, called 
Bertha, was a character, on which the mind will 
dwell with pleasure. She had married Ethelbert, 
king of Kent, one of the most wise and powerful of 
the Saxon princes. Her principles were firm and 
sound, her piety ardent, her conduct worthy of the 
Christian name, and her influence over her husband 
considerable. All these things conspired to favor the 
missionaries. 

Ethelbert assigned them a habitation in the isle of 
Thanet. They soon informed him, that they came 
from Rome, and brought the best tidings in the world ; 
eternal life to those who received them, and endless 
enjoyments with the living and true God. They soon 
received a visit from the king, and preached to him 
and his attendants. The king could not at first assent 
to their doctrine, but received them in a friendly man- 
ner, assigned them a mansion in the royal city of Can- 
terbury, and gave them permission to preach the gospeL 

The conduct of the missionaries was correspondent 
to their profession. They prayed, fasted, watched, 
preached the word, lived as men above the world, and 
shewed a readiness to suffer or even to die for the 
truth. 

Near the city was an old church, to which queen 
Bertha was accustomed to resort for prayer, In this* 
12 



134 GREGORY. [GENT, VI. 

the missionaries first held their meetings, and labored 
tvith unremitting ardor; till the king himself was con- 
verted to the truth. They then obtained a large li- 
cense for preaching, and were permitted to rebuild 
and repair churches. The king received baptism, 
was delighted With the pre^iousness of the gospel 
promises, and affectionately congratulated the new 
converts as heirs of the grace of life'. 
- Augustine went into France, and was ordained arch- 
bishop of the English nation. Returning to England, 
he sent Laurentius the presbyter, and Peter the monk, 
to acquaint Gregory with his success, and to receive 
answers to various questions. Gregory answered the 
queries of AugustinB, and formed a plan of ecclesias- 
tical government, in which there was a uniformity, and 
subordination, bordering on Popery. 

Gregory w r rote to Ethelbert to congratulate, exhort, 
and instruct him ; set before him the example of the 
great Constantine, and pressed him to extend the 
propagation of the gospel. 

Ethelbert reigned fifty one years, and died in 616. 
As a statesman, he was great, as a Christian, greater ; 
and few princes, in any age, were richer blessings to 
their subjects, than Ethelbert and Bertha. 

On the whole, Gregory's conduct with respect to 
England, appears one of the most shining efforts of 
Christian charity. His missionaries, in general, acted 
laudably ; and the real establishment of Christianity 
was, under God, effected by their means. 

This great prelate, worn out, at length, with labors 
and diseases, slept in Jesus in the yeay 604. He had 
enjoyed, or rather endured his bishop ric.thipteen years 
and six months. No man in any age ever gave him- 
self up more sincerely to the service of God, and the 
benefit of his fellow creatures. Power, in hijn, was 
a voluntary servitude, undertaken, not for himself^ 
but for the whole world. 



CBKTURY VEL 



CHAP. L 



ENGLAND, 

In" the century before us, barren and unprofitable as 
it is for the most part, Great Britain shone with pe- 
culiar lustre. 

On the death of Augustus, the first bishop of Can- 
terbury, Laurentius succeeded to the see. He trod& 
in the steps of his predecessor, aud labored to pro:- 
mote the best interest of the English nation. 

However, before the church rose into eminence, 
the bright prospects of the missionaries were clouded 
with adversity. While Ethelhert lived, the gospel 
flourished, but his son and successor, Eadbald not only 
despised the gospel, but lived a profligate life. But 
the missionaries persevered in prayer and faith, and 
the king at last, struck with horror for his crimes, re- 
formed his own life and manners, was baptized, propa- 
gated the gospel among his people, and so far as his 
influence extended, exerted it in the causae of Christ. 

The Saxon Heptarchy, consisting of seven small 
kingdoms, stilly continued in England. These king- 
doms were often at war with each other, and with 
the native Britons, and exhibited scenes of the most 
unpleasant nature. Nevertheless, it pleased God, to 
shew the power of his grace, in that dull period. The 
gospel was introduced into the North. Edwin the 
king of that part of the country, embraced Christian^ 
ity, 



136 



ENGLAND. 



[CENT. VII, 



He was In good earnest about religion; and at 
length, held a consultation with his friends and coun- 
sellors on this all important subject. Coifi, the Pagan 
chief priest, said that their religion was of no value; 
that the more studiously he souglft for truth, the less 
he found it; and that in the new doctrine, which the 
Christians taught, there appeared truth, which was 
able to afford life, salvation, and eternal bliss. He 
then advised, instantly to destroy the temples and al- 
tars., which they had served in vain. Accordingly, 
they profaned the idolatrous temples, and rejoiced in 
the knowledge of the Most High; and the king, his 
nobles, and very many of the common people. were 
baptized. 

From this time, the gospel rapidly spread from 
town to town, and from kingdom to kingdom, till praise 
ascended from various corners of the island. The 
kings became nursing fathers, and queens nursing 
mothers to the church Uncorrupt and humble in the 
midst of prosperity,' they showed themselves the ben- 
efactors of the poor and needy, and cheerfully encour- 
aged every attempt to spread the knowledge and prac- 
tice of godliness. 

The gospel flourished at the same time in Ireland; 
and missionaries, even from that country, were sent 
to the North of England, and labored with glorious 
success. 

But the zeal 'and' purity of the Christians lasted 
but about forty or fifty years. The native depravity 
of man gradually quenched the Spirit of God; and the 
power of godliness was buried, or very faintly subsist- 
ed, in the rubbish of factions, contentions, and worldly 
lusts*. Yet the ancestors of the British nation saw in 
this century a blessed season, the fruits of which will 
abide forever. - 

Duri his century the northern parts of Europe, 
which had remained in the darkness of idolatry, were 
graciously visited by the Most High. The Britons, 



CENT. VII,] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 137 

Scots, and Irish, were honored as instruments in this 
work. 

Besides the various parts of Germany, missionaries 
from these places travelled into Friezland, Denmark, 
and various other regions of the North. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH IN THIS 
CENTURY. 

PHOCAs/the Greek Emperor, was deposed and 
slain by Heraclius in the year 610. He was one of 
the most vicious and profligate tyrants, and may be 
compared with Caligula,, Nero, or Domitian. Hera- 
clius, the successor of Phocas, reigned thirty years. 
In the beginning of his reign the Persians desolated 
the eastern part of the empire, and made themselves 
masters of Jerusalem. While Asia groaned under 
. their cruelties and oppressions, and was afflicted with 
scourge after scourge, John, called the Almoner, bish- 
op of Alexandria, distinguished himself by 'the exer- 
cise of Christian graces. 

He daily supplied with necessaries those, who hav- 
ing escaped the Persian arms, flocke/1 into Egypt; 
sent to Jerusalem the most ample relief for those who 
remained there; ransomed captives, placed the sick 
and wounded in hospitals, and visited them in person, 
two or three times a week. 

During this time of uncommon Vant, the Nile did 
not rise to its usual height; a barren season ensued; 
provisions were scarce; and crowds of refugees still 
poured into Alexandria. John, however, continued 
his liberal donatives, till he had neither money nor 
credit. The prayer of faith was his resource; aud 



U 



m 



138 GENERAL STATE GF THE CHURCH. [CENT. VII 

he persevered in hope, till a rich supply of provision 
was sent from the fruitful island of Sicily. 

From the beginning of his bishopric, he maintained 
seven thousand five hundred poor persons by daily 
^ilms. He was accessible to them on all occasions* 
and, what is most material, divine faith influenced his 
acts of benevolence- 
Like Josiah, he seems to have been sent to reform 
a falling church. He constantly studied the Scrip- 
tures; in conversation he was instructive and exem- 
plary-, and in preaching interesting and faithful. 

In the year 616, John left Alexandria on account of 
the Persians, and retired to Cyprus. He soon after 
died as he had lived, an example of piety. With him, 
ends all that is worth recording of Alexandria. 

In the same year, the haughty Chosroes, king of 
Persia, conquered Alexandria in Egypt, and took 
Chalcedon. Heraclius, saw the approaching ruin of 
his empire, and begged for peace. " That I will ne- 
ver consent to," replied the tyrant, "till you re- 
nounce him who was crucified, whom you call God, 
and with me adore the sun:" The Lord who is a 
jealous God, ever confounds his open enemies, and 
manifests himself the Sovereign of the universe. 
Chosroes was a second Sennacherib, and was treated 
as such, by the rightful Disposer of all events. 

The spirit of Heraclius was roused; and God gave 
him wonderful success over the Persian king, who, 
having lost a greater part of his dominions, was mur- 
dered by .his own son. 

Heresies were still prevalent in the East. At this 
time flourished the Nestorian and Eutychian heresies, 
©ne denying the person, the other confounding the two 
natures of Jesus Christ. The resistance of the or- 
thodox had but little effect, for want of that energy, 
and true spiritual life, which in a degree still sub- 
sisted in the West. The sound doctrines of grace, 
the guard of true humility, was an ensign, around 



GENT. VII.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 139 

which the truly pious were wont to rally their strength, 
and ward off the intended blows of the enemy. But 
in Asia and Egypt, religion was for the most part a 
heartless speculation. 

About the year 630, another heresy appeared, 
called the Monothelite, which ascribed only one will 
to Jesus Christ. The ambiguous subtleties of the 
party, induced the emperor Heraclius to embrace it; 
and the East was rapidly overspread with this hereti- 
cal evil. 

Sophronius, a disciple of John the Almoner, a man 
of sincerity and simplicity, with tears bewailed and 
opposed the innovation, but in vain. Being elected 
bishop of Jerusalem, he with meekness and wisdom, 
exerted his authority against the growing heresy; 
and in a synodical letter, explained with equal solidity 
and accuracy, the divine and human operations of Je- 
sus Christ, and gave pertinent instances of both. 

Thus in this degenerate season, God raised up a 
man, who understood the truth, and knew how to de- 
fend it with sound argument, a charitable spirit, and 
an holy life. 

In the mean time, the heresy spread wider and 
wider, till even Rome was infested with it. Maxi- 
mus succeeded Sophronius in the defence of the pri- 
mitive faith, and with much labor confuted the here- 
siarchs. Constans, who was then emperor, forbade 
any part to be taken in the controversy. But Mar- 
tin, bishop of Rome, excited by the zeal of Maximus, 
defended that part of the truth which was opposed, 
and in a council, ventured to anathematize the sup- 
porters of the heresy. Constans, in a rage, ordered 
him to be dragged into the East, and inflicted on him 
a long protracted and barbarous punishment. Martin, 
however, continued firm to the last. "As to this 
wretched body," says he, " the Lord will take care 
of it. He is at hand; why should I give myself any 
trouble? For I hope ia his mercy; he will not pro- 



140 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHJJRCH. [_ ceNt - VU ' 

long 'my life." He died in the year 655. His ex- 
treme sufferings by imprisonment, hunger, fetters, 
and brutal treatment, call for compassion; his constan- 
cy demands respect; and his firm adherence to the 
doctrines of grace secures the admiration of Chris* 
tians. 

Maximus was also brought to Constantinople, and 
by order of the emperor underwent a number of ex- 
aminations. He was asked by an officer, to sign the 
edict of Constats. "Only Uo this/' said the officer, 
" believe what you please in your heart. 7 ' " It is 
not to the heart alone," replied Maximus, " that God 
hath confined our duty. We are also obliged, with 
the mouth to confess Jesus Christ before men." 
The tyrant, enraged to firtd himself disappointed, or- 
dered Maximus to be scourged, his tongue to be cut 
out, his right hand to be cut off, and directed him to 
be banished and imprisoned the rest of his life. The 
same punishment was inflicted on two of his disciples. 
These three were separated from each other, and con- 
fined in castles, where no consolation was afforded, 
except that which belongs to those who suffer for 
righteousness' sake. 

This wicked emperor murdered his own brother, 
and continued to disgrace the Christian name by his 
follies, his vices, and cruelties, till he himself wag 
despatched in the yea? 667. 

The victorious arms of Mahomet, the Arian impos- 
tor, began at this time to endanger ail Christendom. 
By the assistance of a Jew andreiiegado Christian, he 
formed a farrago of doctrines and rites-, in which there 
was a mixture of Judaism, Paganism, and Christiani- 
ty. In the year 608, he began to declare himself a 
prophet, and dre# over to nh party some of the vari- 
ous sorts of men who inhabited Arabia. He increased 
the number of his followers, partly by indulging them 
in sensuality, ambition, the love of gain, and the pro- 
mise of a carnal heaven, put principally by the sword. 



CENT. VII.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 141 

This was a season of infatuation, when for the sins 
of men, empires and kingdoms were permitted to 
slumber till the invader, at first weak and contempti- 
ble, grew to an enormous height. Vice and wretch- 
edness prevailed over the East, in all their hideous 
forms. A few, indeed, mourned over the times, and 
adorned the truth by humility and holiness. But no 
serious opposition was made to the doctrines of Ma- 
homet, and at the time of his death which happened 
in the year 631, he had conquered the greater part 
of Arabia. 

His followers continued to extend their conquests, 
and with amazing rapidity overrun Arabia, Persia, 
Mesopotamia, Chaldea, Syria, Africa; and even Eu- 
rope suffered from their depredations. 

Africa fell under the power of the Mahometans to- 
ward the close of this century. It had long shared 
in the general corruption, and it finally shared in the 
general punishment. The region, which long refresh- 
ed us with evangelical light and energy, where Cy- 
prian suffered, and where Augustine taught, was thus 
consigned to Mahometan darkness, delusion, and guilt. 

If we compare the East and West during this cen- 
tury, we shall see. a very striking difference. In 
England true godliness shone for a considerable part 
of it. In France, there were visible marks of piety; 
and from these two kingdoms, divine truth made its 
way into Germany and the North with glorious suc- 
cess. In Italy, Arianism was on the decline. In Rome, 
the purity of the faith was, for the greater part, pre- 
served ; though it must be acknowledged, that super- 
stition and vice were lamentably on the increase. 

In the East, the influence of the Divine Spirit 
seems to have been almost entirely withheld. Men 
had there filled up the measure of their iniquities; 
and the place, where light first arose, was now cq- 
rered with Egyptian darkness. 



CENTURY Vttl. 



CHAP. I. 



VENERABLE BEDE, TITE* ENGLISH PRESBYTER.. 

The history of this century will properly begin 
With a brief narrative of the life of this historian. 

He was born in a village called Farrow, near the 
mouth of the Tyne. Losing both his parents at the 
age of seven, he was, by the care of relations, placed 
in a monastery, and there educated with great strict- 
ness. He appeared from his youth, to be devoted to 
the service of God. At the age of thirty he was or- 
dained presbyter, and considered the greatest man of his 
age. rrayer, writing, and teaching, were his familiar 
employments during his whole life. Much occupied 
in reading and writing, he made all his studies sub- 
servient to devotion. As he was sensible that by the 
grace of God, rather than by natural abilities, the 
most profitable knowledge of Scripture is acquired, - 
he always mingled prayer with study. 

A catalogue of Bede's writings would exhibit a 
sufficient proof of his amazing industry. Genuine 
godliness, however, rather than, taste and genius, ap- 
pears in his writings. His church history is very 
valuable, and his expositions and homilies, must, in 
that dearth of,knowledge, have been abundantly use- 
ful. 

In his last sickness he was for two or three weeks 
afflicted with a difficulty of breathing. His mind was 



CENT, till.] MAHOMETANS. 143* 

however, serene and cheerful ; his affections heaven- 
ly; and amidst these infirmities, he daily taught his 
disciples. A great part of the night was employed in 
prayer and thanksgiving; and the first employment of 
the morning was to ruminate" on the Scriptures, and 
to address his feod in prayer. " God scourgeth every 
son whom he receiveth," was frequently in his 
mouth. Perceiving his end to draw near, he said, 
u If my Maker please, 1 will goto him from the flesh, 
who, when I was not, formed me out of nothing. My 
soul desires to see Christ my King in his beauty." 
He sang glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
Ghost, and expired with a sedateness, composure, 
and devotion, that amazed all who .saw and heard. 

The real nature of the gospel, and its practical ex- 
ercise in faith, humility, and true mortification of sin, 
were understood, and felt by this Saxon presbyter. 
Bede, who felt, abhorred, and sincerely struggled 
with indwelling sin, was conscious of its unutterable 
malignity, and humble under this conviction. 



CHAPTER II. 



SOME FARTHER ACCOUNT OF THE MAHOMETANS, 

In the year 713 the Mahometans extended their 
conquests to Spain, and there terminated the king- 
dom of the Goths, which had lasted nearly 300 years. 
The professed Christians in that place, were reduced 
to slavery; and thus were scourged those wicked pro- 
fessors, who held the truth in unrighteousness; called 
on the name of Christ, while in works they denied 
him; and buried the faith under an enormous load of 
superstition* 



144 CONTROVERSY #F IMAGES. [CENT. VIII. 

No strong efforts were, made to withstand the Ara- 
bian conquerors, till they had made very great ad- 
vancements towards universal empire; had marched 
into the very heart of France, and ravaged that coun- 
try in a dreadful manner. In the year 732, they were 
totally defeated by the heroic Charles Martel — an 
event, memorable in history, because by the provi- 
dence of God it stopped the ravages of thes$ Arabian 
locusts. 



CHAPTER III 

CONTROVERSY OF IMAGES. 

The marvellous propensity of all ages to the sin of 
idolatry, evidently originates in a native principle ex* 
isting in fallen man. 

The guilt of idolatry is not so apparent to the natu- 
ral conscience, as that of crimes committed against 
our fellow creatures; though no other sin is so much 
spoken against in the Old Testament. But whoever 
considers, that it implies a departure of the heart 
from God, and fixing it on something else, and under- 
stands that it pours all possible contempt on the Di- 
vine Majesty, will not wonder at God's indignation 
against this sin; will see that it naturally operates in 
the human mind, and that it affords a complete de- 
monstration of the apostasy of man. 

The ancient people of God were distinguished from 
the nations around them by the most express prohibi- 
tion of this sin ; under the gospel dispensation, the 
same prohibition was continued, and for several cen- 
turies there was but little occasion to dwell on the sub* 
*ect. For while the naiads of men wexe filled with 



TEXT. VIII.] CONTROVERSY OF IMAGES. 1-iO 

peace and joy in believing, while the doctrines of jus- 
tification and regeneration were precious and ail im- 
portant in their eyes, while they lived by the faith of 
Jesus, saw his glory, and felt in their own souls the 
transforming power of his grace, the deceitful aids of 
idolatry had no charms. But when the knowledge of 
the gospel was darkened and adulterated, (he misera- 

spirits of men had recourse to such vain refuges. — 
Toward- >f the fourth century, some approach- 

>\yardthis evil, appeared in professors of Christi- 
anity ; in the fifth century it increased ; and at the 
close of the sixth, images began to appear in the church, 
ere not then worshipped as idols. Men 
gradu i the divine way of applying to God 

through Christ, a id began to rely on idols. In this 

:ct, the Western church advanced more rapidly 
in corruption, than the Eastern. Idolatry gradually 
gained ground, as the simplicity and purity of the 
Chi i ed ; and as there was no effec- 

tual to dispel the clouds oi 

■ evil finally became incura 
The East a vere divided in opinion on tin's 

ect ; and the crisis finally arose, when the Chris- 
tian world was broken parties on the 

•rion. 
In the year 727, Leo, the Greek emperor, be 

hid infatuated with the love 
the emperor was viok : ;tion 

e. 

To this contest about images is y traced the 

in of popedom. By popery is meant the religion 

i of Rome. governed that 

ch from time to time was ( r Pope. Bj 

loetrmes, par- 

•h deserves the f idolatry. — - 

He is that monster of wickedness, who considered 



146 CONTROVERSY OP IMAGES. [CENT. VIII. 

himself the head of the church, and exalted himself 
above all that is called God, oris worshipped. 

He, who filled the Romish see at that time, was 
Gregory II., who for his open defence and support cf 
idolatry, is called the first pope of Rome. 

Leo, convinced in his judgment of what was right, 
and zealots to propagate it, assembled the people ; 
and with that frankness and sincerity, which ever 
marked his character, publicly avowed his conviction 
of the idolatry of the growing practice ; and declared, 
that images ought not to be erected for adoration But 
the true nature of Christ's atonement was so little 
understood 'and relished, that the emperor was in the 
minority through the whole Christian world ; and his 
subjects murmured against him as a tyrant and a per- 
secutor. 

Leo rejected relics and the intercession of saints, 
and in the year 730 published an edict against images. 
In a porch belonging to the palace of Constantinople, 
there was an image of Christ on the cross. Perceiv- 
ing that it had been made an engine of idolatry, Leo 
sent an officer to pull it down. Several women were 
present, and entreated that it might be spared, but in 
vain. The officer mounted a ladder and struck three 
blows with a hatchet on the face of the figure. The 
woman, who stood looking on, threw him down by 
pulling away the ladder, and murdered him on the 
spot. 

Leo put several persons to death, who were concern- 
ed in the murder ; and such was finally the triumph 
of idolatry, that the murderers are to this day ho- 
nored as martyrs by the Greek church. The news 
flew to Rome ; Italy was thrown into confusion ; seri- 
ous attempts were made to elect another emperor ; 
Gregory fomented the rebellion, and in the end, es- 
tablished the temporal power of his successors on the 
ruin of the imperial authority. 

He was soon succeeded by Gregory III., who wrote 
in such arrogant terms to the emperor that he refus- 



T. VIII.] PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL, 14£ 

ed to have any farther intercourse with him. Grego- 
ry and Leo both diedia the year 741, and left to their 
successors the management of their views, and con- 
tentions. 

The Arabians, in the mean time, persecuted in the 
East with unrelenting barbarity ; and the real church 
of God was desolated on all sides, and suffered equal- 
ly from enemies within and without. 

Zacrary, the successor of Gregory, wrote to the 
dukes of France, exhorting them to succour St. Peter ; 
promising them the remission of their sins, an hundred 
fold in this world, and in the world to come life ever- 
lasting. So ingulfed were the French in ignorance, 
and superstition, that to secure the remission of their 
sins, they annexed large dominions to the church of 
Rome; and Pepin, the king of France, became the 
great supporter of the popedom. From this time the 
pope not only assumed the tone of infallibility and spi- 
ritual dominion, but became literally a temporal 
prince. 



CHAPTER IV. 

PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 

. The Irish excelled in divinity at this time, travels 
led through various countries, and became renowned 
for knowledge. In England and France some glim- 
merings of light still existed; but it is in the propaga- 
tion of the gospel m this century, tint the real church 
is chiefly to be seen. The same popes, who opposed 
the grace of God in their own country, supported pious 
missionaries among the Heathen. 

Willibrod, who with other missionaries, went into 
Friezeland in the seventh century, continued to la- 
bour there with success. 



148 1 PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. [CENT. Vlll), 

For fifty years, he was employed in this work, and 
was the means of turning many from idols, to serve 
the living and true God. 

The great light of Germany in this century was 
Winfrid, an Englishman, born about the year 680. — 
He resided in the monastery of Nutchell, where he be- 
came acquainted with sacred and profane learning. 
At the- age of thirty, he was ordained priest, labored 
"with much zeal in preaching the word of God, and 
longed to be employed as a missionary. About the 
year 716, in company with two monks, he went over 
into Friezeland, and watered where Willibrod had 
planted. But finding that circumstances rendered it 
impracticable for him to continue there, he returned 
to England. 

With recommendatory letters from the bishop of 
Winchester, he went to Rome, presented himself to 
the pope, and expressed a desire of being employed 
in the conversion of infidels. The pope encouraged 
his zeal, and gave him a ccmmission of the most am- 
ple and unlimited nature. 

With this commission he went into Bavaria, and 
Thuringia. In the former part of his ministry he re- 
formed the churches ; in the latter he was successful 
in the conversion of infidels. 

With sincere delight, he learned that a door was 
opened for his return to Frieze-land ; he immediately 
set out for that country, and during three years co-ope- 
rated with Willibrod. The pale of the church was 
hence enlarged, churches were' erected, many receiv- 
ed the word of God, and idolatry was more and more 
subdued. 

Willibrod, declining in old age, chose Winfrid for 
his successor. But the latter refused the offer, because 
the pope had enjoined him to preach in Germany. 
Willibrod acquiesced in Winfrid's desires, and dismiss- 
ed him with a blessing. The younger missionary de- 
parted immediately, and came into Hesse. He erect- 



CfiffT. VIII.] PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 149 

ed the standard of truth throughout that vicinity, and 
supported it with much zeal, to the- confusion of the 
kingdom of Satan. It ought not to be denied that he 
suffered much hardship, supported himself, at times, 
by the labor of his own hands, and was exposed to 
eminent peril from the rage of obstinate pagans. 

After some time he returned to Rome, was kindly 
received by Gregory II., and consecrated bishop of the 
new German churches , under the name of Boniface. 
Gregory, solicitous to preserve his dignity, exacted 
from the new bishop an oath of subjection to the papal 
authority. Boniface, armed with letters from the 
pope, and encouraged with fresh laborers from En- 
gland, returned to the scene of his ministry. 

In the year 732 Boniface received the title of arch- 
bishop, and encouraged with letters from Rome, he 
proceeded to erect new churches, raid extend the 
gospel. He was finally fixed at Mehtz ; and is com- 
monly called archbishop cf that city. 

Many person-, while in obscure life, have professed 
much zeai for the service of God ; but have declined 
in earnestness, as they advanced in age and dignity. 
This was not the case with Boniface; though oppress- 
ed with age, and infirmity, and greatly revered 
through the whole Christian world, he continued zea- 
lous for the conversion of the Friezelanders, returned 
into that country, and was an instrument of good to 
many perishing souls. Before bis departure, he con- 
ducted, in all respects, as though he had a preserji- 
raent of his approaching death. Having labored there 
for a season, he appointed a clay to confirm those 
whom he had baptized. While waiting for them, he 
and his followers encamped on the banks of a river ; 
but to their surprise they beheld, not the now con- 
verts, whom they had expected, but a troop of angry 
pagans, armed with shields and lances. The servants 
went out to resist ; but Boniface, with calm intrepidi- 
ty; said to his followers : " Children forbear to fight ; 
13* 



150 PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. [CENT. VIII 

the scripture forbids us to render evil for evil. The 
day, which I have long waited for, is come ; hope in 
God, and he will save your souls." Thus did he pre- 
pare the priests and the rest of the company for mar- 
tyrdom. The pagans attacked them furiously, and 
slew the whole company, fifty-two in number, be- 
sides Boniface himself. This happened in the year 
755 in the seventy-fifth year of his age. 

Other missionaries might be mentioned, who did 
honor to themselves, and the cause of truth. Ville- 
had, bishop of Bremen, was called the Apostle of 
Saxony. He underwent great hazards, overcame the 
ferocious spirits of the infidels, and spread among 
them the knowledge of the gospel. In his dying mo- 
ments he said to his weeping friends, " Withhold me 
not from going to God. These sheep I recommend to 
him, who intrusted them with me, and whose mercy 
is able to protect them." 

This was an age of missionaries. Their character 
and their success, form, indeed, almost the only shi- 
aing feature in this century. 



CEITUEY ISa 



CHAP. I. 

GENERAL STATE OF RELIGION IN THIS CENTURY* 

We are now penetrating into a region of darkness, 
and a land of deserts and pits, a land of drought and 
the shadow of death. By every step we are carried 
into scenes still more gloomy than the former. Here 
and there indeed a glimmering ray of the Sun of 
Righteousness appears. But it is in vain that we look 
for any steady lustre of evangelical truth and holiness, 

The several circumstances which attended the 
thick darkness that pervaded this century, may be re- 
duced to the following heads ; the preference given to 
human writings above the Scriptures, the domination 
of the popedom, the accumulation of ceremonies, and 
the oppression of the godly. 

It was then customary to explain Scripture entirely 
by the writings of the fathers. No man was permit- 
ted, with impunity, to vary in the least from their 
decisions. The great apostolic rule of interpreting 
Scripture by Scripture, was in a manner lost. It 
was deemed sufficient, that such a renowned doctor 
had given such an interpretation. Hence the sacred 
volume, thrpugh long neglect and disuse, was consi- 
dered obscure and perplexed, and quite unfit for popu- 
lar reading. 

The popedom continued to gain strength ; and igno- 
rance and superstition were so prevalent, that who- 
ever opposed the bishop' of Rome, drew on himself a 
host of enemies. 



152 GENERAL STATE OF RELIGION. [CENT, IX. 

Ceremonies accumulated with amazing rapidity; 
and their observance was considered essential to sal- 
vation. Hence mankind were ingulfed in the depth 
of ignorance ; and persons of eminence suppressed, in 
the bud, every attempt to instruct mankind. 

In Asia, Mahometanism still reigned ; and, except 
the Paulicians, scarcely a vestige of godliness ap- 
peared in the Eastern church. During the whole of 
this century, there was neither an emperor, nor a 
bishop of Rome, nor of Constantinople, who deserves 
particular notice, either on account of vital Christian 
knowledge or practical piety. In this dark period the 
absurd tenet of transubstantiation w r as introduced by 
Pascasius Radbert. 

In France, the doctrines of divine grace were near- 
ly eclipsed. Ado, archbishop of Vienna, was how- 
ever, an eminent exception to this account. He was 
indefatigable in pressing the great truths of salvation, 
attended closely to discipline, instructed the ignorant, 
sympathized with the penitent, and was a real friend 
to the poor, both in a temporal and spiritual sense. 

In England the decline of godliness w r as grievous. 
The whole nation seemed enveloped in darkness. 

Charlemagne of France flourished in the last cen- 
tury, and died in the former part of this. The splen- 
did sins of this emperor cannot here be recounted. 
He revived the Western empire in Germany, w r as an 
instrument of extending the visible church, and fixed 
the power of the popedom on the strongest founda- 
tion. 



CHAPTER II. 



THE PAULICIANS. 



About the year GGO a new sect arose called the 
Paulicians, supposed to hav T e taken their Mame from 
the Apostle Paul. Constantine, a person who dwelt 
in an obscure town in Samosata, entertained a .deacon 
who had been carried captive by the Mahometans. 
This deacon presented him with the New Testament. 
Constantine made the best use of the deacon's pre- 
sent ; studied it, exercised his own imderstar. 
, upon it, formed a system of divinity, and became the^ 
founder of a sect called the Paulicians. 

Tills sect held the common orthodox doctrine of the 
Trinity, were perfectly free from image worship, 
scriptural in the use of the sacraments, disregarded 
relics and all the fashionable equipage of supersti- 
tion, and knew no other Mediator but the Lord Jesus 
Christ. 

Constantine preached with great success : and Pon- 
tus and Cappadocia, regions once renowned for Chris- 
tian piety, were again enlightened through his labors. 
He and his associates were distinguished from the 
rest of the clergy of that day, by their scriptural 
names, modest titles, zeal, knowledge, activity, and 
holiness. Their congregations were diffused over 
the provinces of Asia Minor. Roused by the growing 
importance of the sect, the Greek emperors began to 
persecute them with the most sanguinary severity; and 
under Christian names and forms, re-acted the scenes 
of Galerius and Maximin. 

A Greek officer, named Simeon, armed with im- 
perial authority, came to Colonia, and apprehended 
Constantine and a number of his followers. Stones 
were put into the hands of his disciples, and they 
were required to kill their pastor, as the price of 



154 TITE PAULIGIANS. [gent. IX. 

their forgiveness. A person named Justin was the 
only one of the number who obeyed. He stoned to 
death his spiritual father, and signalized himself still 
more by betraying his brethren. Simeon struck ne 
doubt with the evidences apparent in the sufferers, 
embraced the faith, which he came to destroy, re- 
nounced the world, preached the gospel, and died a 
martyr. For a hundred and thirty years these ser- 
vants of God underwent the horrors of persecution, 
With Christian meekness, and patience. During all 
this time, the divine Spirit was apparent among them, 
and they rendered both to God and to Caesar their 
due. 

This afflicted people had a short release from suf- 
fering, till at length, Theodora exerted herself with 
the greatest violence against them. Her inquisitors 
ransacked Lesser Asia in search of them, and she is 
computed to have ^-llocl by the gibbet, by fire, and 
by sword, a hundred thousand. 

If the Paulicians had continued to sustain these cru- 
elties with a Christian temper, similar consequences 
might have been expected. But faith arc! patience 
failed at length, and they were gradually betrayed 
into a secular spirit. 

For more than 180 years, they shone as lights i;i 
the world ; exemplified the real gospel by a life of 
faith, hope and charity, and b on of 

the truth in a patient course oi luis- 

tians believe, rejoice in God, patiently suffer, return 
good for evil, and look for true riches and honor in the 
world to come. 



CHAPTER in. 

OPPOSITION TO THE CORRUPTIONS OF POPERY. 

We have seen the light of divine truth shedding its 
kindly influence in the East. Let us now beheld the 
reviving power cf its beams in the West. We shall 
not see it generally illuminating this great division of 
the Christian world, but only shining in some particu- 
lar districts. The absolute power of the pope, the 
worship of images, and the invocation of saints and 
angels, as in the last century, continued to be opposed 
by several princes and ecclesiastics. A council at 
Pains, he'd in the yea- S'2'4, agreed with the council 
of Frankfort in the prohibition of image worship. 
Agobard, archbishop of Lyons, wrol cor- 

ruptions of popery, and maintained that there is no 
other Mediator between God and man, except Jesus 
Chnst, who is both God and man. 

Claudius, bishop of Turin, is a character worthy to 
be held in high estimation ; and seems to stand the 
in order of time among the reformers. 
He was born in Spain; in his early years was a 
chaplain to the court of Lewis the Meek ; and was 
reputed to have had great knowledge of the Scrip- 
tures. Lewis perceiving the ignorance of a great 
part of Italy, and willing to provide the churches of 
Piedmont with a pastor, who might stem the growing 
torrent of image worship, promoted Claudius to the 
see of Turin, about the year 817. He was eminently 
useful in this x Aew station. By his writings he copi- 
ously expounded the Scriptures, and by his preaching, 
he laboriously instructed the people. His mind was 
ardent ; and he had a charitable zeal for divine truth 
and for the salvation of souls. He affirms that Jesus 
Christ is the only proper head of the church; is 
severe against the doctrines of human merit ; main- 



156 TOPERY. [cent, IX, 

tains, that we are to be saved by faith alone ; holds 
the fallibility of the church ; exposes the futility of 
praying for the dead, and the sinfulness of the idola- 
trous practices, then supported by the Romans. 

The labors of Claudius were not in vain. He 
checked the growing evil, at least in his own diocese ; 
and in the valleys of Piedmont the fruits of his la- 
bors were seen for centuries. Hence it is probable 
that the churches of the Waldenses either originated 
or received much increase and confirmation from his 
labors. 

The case of Gctteschalcus shows, that a divine was 
not permitted, at this time, to promulgate the senti- 
ments of Augustine with impunity. He was born in 
Germany. From early life, he had been a m nk, 
and devoted himself to theological inquiries. He 
was peculiarly fond of the writings of Augustine, and 
entered, with much zeal, into his sentiments. 

About the year 846 he left his monastery, went into 
Daimatia and Pannoiiin, and there spread the doctrines 
of Augustine. On this account, he was condemned as 
a heretic, dragged from the priesthood, beaten with 
rods, and imprisoned. The injured pastor maintained 
with his last breath, the doctrine for which he suiieF- 
ed, and died in prison in the year 870. 

Even in that age. there wanted not men, who re- 
monstrated loudly against the barbarity, with which 
he had been treated- Remigius archbishop of Lyons, 
distinguished himself among these; audio a council" 
held at Valence, in the year 855, both Gotteschalcus 
and his doctrines were defended. Two subsequent 
councils confirmed the decrees of this.*, Thus it ap- 
pears, that there were, at least, a small number of 
persons, to whom Christ and his grace were precious ; 
and the influence of evangelical truth was so strongly 
imprinted on their hearts, that ail the cruelty, activi- 
ty, and artifice, of subtle enemies, were not able to 
extirpate it. 



CHAPTER IV. 

PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL IN THIS CENTUR^. 

Both the East, and West, were in this century, 
full of idolatry and darkness ; and seemed to vie with 
each other in supporting the kingdom of Satan. Pro- 
vidence, however, made use of the ambitious pontiffs 
of Rome and Constantinople for the more extensive 
propagation of the gospel. 

Cyril of Thessalonica became one of the most ac- 
tive and useful missionaries of this century ; and Pro- 
vidence opened to him a door of solid utility among 
the idolatrous nations. 

In compliance with the request of several princes, 
Cyril went from place to place, and labored with 
great patience, fidelity, and success. 

In the mean time Nicolas of Rome, and Photius of 
Constantinople, were acrimoniously inveighing against 
one another, and striving, each to secure to himself 
the obedience of the new converts. 

It appears that the Russians, hitherto barbarous 
and savage, received, in this century, a Christian bi- 
shop, and began to be instructed in the knowledge of 
the gospel. Some traces of godliness still remained 
in the countries which were eva.igelized during the 
last century. Two or three extracts from Hay mo, 
a bishop in Saxony, will show what doctrines were 
then preached in that country. 

u Man of himself departing from God, returns not 
of himself to God. God works all in all ; by which 
words human arrogance is removed; since, without 
the holy Spirit, our weakness can effect no real good, 
whether great or small." 

" We are not only unable to effect any good, with- 
out Divine grace and mercy preceding and following 
us, but even to think any. For the grace of God 
prevents us, that we may be willing, and follows us., 
14 



158 PROPAGATION OP THE GOSPEL. [CENT. IX. 

that we may be able. Every good thing that we 
have, the good will and the good works, is not from 
ourselves, but from God. 55 

Haymo continued bishop twelve years, and died in 
the year 853: — A rare light, which shone in the midst 
of darkness. 

In Holland some evidences of the power of divine 
truth still continued. If we look toward the north of 
Europe, we shall see that divine Providence began to 
pave the way for the propagation of the gospel in the 
frozen regions of Scandinavia, and on the shores of 
the Baltic. These regions had hitherto been enve- 
loped in the most deplorable darkness of paganism. 

Adelard, cousin to Charlemagne, was a bright lu- 
minary in the Christian w^orld at the commencement 
of this century. At the age of twenty he became 
monk of Corbie in Picardy, and was finally chosen ab- 
bot of that monastery. His imperial relation obliged 
him to reside a part of the time at court; »but whe- 
ther at court or in the monastery, in prosperity or ad- 
versity, he was the same humble, pious, and devout 
Christian. While at the monastery, he every w 7 eek 
addressed each of the monks individually, exhorted 
them in pathetic discourses, and labored for the spi- 
ritual good of the surrounding country. 

Another Adelard, who governed the monastery du- 
ring his absence, founded a distinct monastery called 
New Corbie. This w^as designed as a nursery for 
evangelical students, who might there prepare them- 
selves to instruct the northern regions. The success 
of this truly charitable institution was very great. 
Learned and zealous missionaries issued from that 
seminary, who enlightened the dark regions of the 
North. 

Anscarius was a monk of Old Corbie. He w T as a 
man of understanding and integrity, peculiarly fitted 
for the work of a missionary, and desirous to suffer 
for the sake of Christ. His wishes were made known 



GENT. IX.] PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 159 

to the Emperor, who appointed him a mission to Den- 
mark. Much pains were taken to dissuade him from 
going; but in vain. He persisted in his resolution, 
ana manifested a readiness to expose himself among 
strangers, barbarians, and pagans. While prepara- 
tions were making for his voyage, he devoted him- 
self wholly to reading and prayer. 

He set out with his fellow missionaries, and in the 
early part of the century, arrived at Sweden. They 
were favorably received by the king, permitted to re- 
main in the country, and allowed to preach the gospel. 
Success attended their pious endeavors ; they gained 
over many pagans ; brought up children in the Chris- 
tian faith and redeemed captives ; and Christianity by 
their means, made great progress in Sweden. 

Anscarius finally gained footing in Denmark, and 
planted the gospel there with some success. Although 
he was called to repeated hardships and privations, 
he persevered with unwearied patience in the work 
of his mission. 

In the year S65 this apostle of the North was called 
to rest. Sweden and Denmark were, under Gbd, in- 
debted to him for the first light of the gospel. He 
applied himself to the duties of his office with indefa- 
tigable assiduity. A terror to the proud, and a com- 
fort to the humble, he knew how to divide the word 
of truth, and to give to each of his flock a portion in 
due . season. In ail good works, particularly in his 
care of redeeming captives, he was eminently distin- 
guished. It is remarked of him, that he never did 
any thing without first recommending himself to God 
in prayer. 

What but the genuine love of God in Christ, could 
afford him such faith in divine Providence, and ena- 
ble him to persevere in hardships, and be so active 
.for the souls of men ? 



CENTURY X. 



CHAP. I. 



GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH IN THIS CENTURY. 

The famous annalist of the Roman church, whose 
partiality to that see is notorious, has, however, the- 
candor to own, that this was an iron age, barren of all 
godliness ; a leaden age, abounding in all wickedness ; 
a dark age, remarkable above all others for scarcity 
of writers and men of learning. 

Infidel malice has with pleasure recorded the vices 
and crimes of the popes in this century. Nor will any 
one attempt to palliate the accounts of their wick- 
edness. It was as deep and atrocious as language 
can paint. 

The general description of the church at this time 
can be little else than a very succinct account of the 
means made use of to oppose the progress of popery. 

The decrees of the council of Frankfort against 
image worship continued to have some influence in 
Germany, France and England. Opposition was also 
made by kings and councils to the authority of the 
pope. One of the most remarkable instances of this 
kind took place in the council of Rheims ; where a 
bishop was deposed without the consent of the pope. 
A few words of the president of that council deserve 
to be distinctly quoted. " deplorable Rome, who 
in the days of our forefathers producedst so many burn- 
ing and shining lights ! thou hast brought forth in our 
times, only dismal darkness, worthy the detestation 



CENT. X.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 161 

of posterity. What shall we do, or what counsels 
shall we take ? The gospel tells us of a barren fig- 
tree, and of the Divine patience exercised toward it. 
Let us bear with our primates, as long as we can ; 
and in the mean time seek spiritual food, where it 
can be found. Certainly there are some in this holy 
assembly, who can testify that in Belgium in Ger- 
many there may be found real pastors and eminent 
men of learning. What think you, reverend fathers, 
of this man, the pope, placed on a shining throne, glit- 
tering with purple and gold ? Whom do you account 
him ? If destitute of love, and puffed up with pride, 
he is Antichrist, sitting in the temple of God." He 
goes on to lament, that the princes of the earth were 
committing fornication with the Roman harlot, and 
giving their power to support her grandeur. 

These and similar magnanimous struggles for Chris- 
tian light and liberty were not wholly in vain. The 
Spirit of God evidently continued with the recent 
churches of Germany and the North; and France it- 
self was, by no means, destitute of men, who feared 
God and served him in the gospel of his Son. 

Rome continued to sink deeper in the mire of ini- 
quity ; and not only moral virtue itself, but even the 
appearance of it was lost in the metropolis. The 
church was trampled on by the most unworthy pre- 
lates ; and immersed in profaneness, sensuality, and 
lewdness. OthoL of Germany went to Rome, and 
by the united power of the civil and military sword, 
reduced the capital into some degree of order and de- 
corum. The effect of his exertions was, that the pope 
exchanged the vices of the rake and the debauchee, 
for those of the ambitious politician, and the hypocrite. 
Otho was a person of upright intentions and shining 
endowments ; yet so ignorant were mankind, that the 
whole Western world, with Otho at their head, 
agreed to reverence the see of Rome as supreme. 
The popes were rebuked; condemned and punished; 
14* 



162 PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. [CENT. X. 

but the popedom was revered as much jss ever. God 
had put it into the hearts of princes to accomplish his 
will, and to agree to give their power unto the beast, 
until the words of his prophecy should be fulfilled. 

Notwithstanding OthoV,. subjection to the see of 
Rome, he made vigorous efforts to purify the church, 
promote learning, erect bishoprics, and propagate the 
gospel among barbarians. 

In the mean time, the Normans, in the West, were 
committing the most dreadful outrages ; and the Turks 
in the East were let loose on mankind, as a just 
scourge for their iniquities. Such was the dismal- 
night of popery. 



CHAPTER^ II. 

PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 

During this century, the gospel was planted in 
Hungary, and that nation was almost wholly evangeli- 
zed. 

Adalbert, archbishop of Prague, was uncommonly 
devoted to the service of God. He saw his prede- 
cessor dying in the most terrible agonies of conscience, 
on account of his avarice, and neglect of ministerial 
duties. Adalbert was appointed his successor, but 
with so little satisfaction to himself, that he was never 
known to smile afterward. Being asked the reason, 
he said, "It is an easy thing to wear a mitre and a 
cross, but an awful thing to give an account of a bi- 
shopric, before the judge of quick and dead." Bohe- 
mia, the scene of his labors, was covered with idola- 
try. He endeavored, in vain, to effect a reformation, 
and sighing over the wretched objects of his charge, 
be left thein, travelled as a missionary, and planted 



CfcNt. X.] PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. 163 

the gospel in Dantzic. His labors seem to have 
been crowned with good success, and he is commonly 
styled the Apostle of Prussia. He visited other pla- 
ces, and was finally murdered by^a barbarian in. the 
year 937. 

The work of God in Denmark met with a severe 
-check in this century. King Gormo labored to ex- 
tirpate the gospel there entirely. At length. Henry 
I. called the Fowler, the predecessor of the great 
Oiho, led an army into Denmark, obliged Gormo to 
promise submission, and prohibited his persecuting 
the Christians. Under the protection of Henry, Uiini, 
archbishop of Hamburg, and a number of other faith- 
ful missionaries, went into Denmark. Providence 
smiled on their benevolent exertions, and numbers 
were induced to embrace the truth as it is in Jesus. 

Unni, animated with success, determined to visit 
the kingdom of Sweden. Arriving in that country, he 
found, thai the srosnel had there become extinct. 
However, it pleased God to give great success to his 
ministry ; and having preached the gospel in the most 
northern part of that region, he finished his glorious 
course in the year 936. 

On the death of Unni, prince Eric procured other 
missionaries, whose labors were at first attended with 
a blessing. But the nobles of Sweden, enraged to find 
their licentiousness restrained, commenced a persecu- 
tion against both the missionaries and the king. The 
former were beaten with rods and expelled from Up- 
sal ; the latter was murdered on account of his piety. 

The son and successor of Eric trod in the steps of 
his father, and suppressed the persecuting spirit ; he 
propagated Christianity among his subjects, and lived 
to see the good effects of his zeal and piety. 

Harold, the successor of Gormo, king of Denmark,, 
took every wise and salutary method to propagate di- 
vine truth among his subjects, and restrain vice and 
immorality. His son, Suen-Otho, formed a junction 



164 PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL. ["CENT. X. 

with the chiefs of the country, murdered his father, 
and persecuted the Christians, with the greatest cru- 
elty. Like another Manasseh, in his afflictions he 
knew that the Lord was God. Being expelled from 
his throne, and forced to live in exile, he was induced 
to remember the lessons of his childhood ; and repent 
of his sins. Being restored to his throne, he labored 
to destroy the idolatry, which he had supported. 

During this century, the light of the gospel pene- 
trated into Norway, Iceland, and Greenland ; and the 
triumphs of Christianity was complete throughout all 
Scandinavia. 

Poland had hitherto remained in the thickest night 
of ignorance ; and both an inland situation and bar- 
barous neighborhood seemed to exclude it from the 
light of the gospel. At length a number of Poles, 
while transacting business among Christians, were 
penetrated with what they heard respecting Chris- 
tianity, listened to the word of God, and received it 
gladly. Having embraced the gospel themselves, they 
everywhere recommended it to their countrymen ; 
the happy infection spread from heart to heart ; mis- 
sionaries were sent to help forward the work ; the 
glad news of salvation reached the ears of the king; 
and Poland soon ftecame a Christian nation. 

The Greek missionaries continued to l&bor in Rus- 
sia, and gradually succeeded. The empress Anna, 
by her zealous importunity, prevailed on her husband 
to embrace Christianity. He was baptized in the 
year 987 ; and at that time Russia formed a Chris- 
tian establishment, and has since considered herself a 
daughter of the Greek church. 

Thus in an age of proverbial darkness, that illus- 
trious prophecy continued to receive its accomplish- 
ment : " Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their 
queens thy nursing mothers." 

The work of propagating the gospel is laudable in 
an extreme degree, and must appear so to all, who- 






CENT. X.J WRITERS OF THIS CENTURY. 165 

desire that the name of Jesus may be honored through 
the earth, and that the power of his grace may be 
established in the hearts of perishing sinners. 



CHAPTER III. 

WRITERS OF THIS CENTURY. 

In a dearth so excessive, there are few who de* 
serve particular notice either for knowledge or piety. 

That the true doctrines of the gospel and some 
knowledge of their experimental power were not alto- 
gether lost in the church, the following quotations will 
evince ; though, of the authors themselves no particu- 
lar account can be given. 

Theophylact very strikingly expresses his thoughts 
on the gospel in opposition to the law. u The law, if 
it detect any man sinning, even in a circumstance that 
may appear trifling, condemns him to death ; but the 
Holy Spirit receiving those, who have committed in- 
numerable offences, in the laver of regeneration, jus- 
tifies them, and quickens those who are dead in sin. 
The righteousness of God preserves us, not our own> 
righteousness ; for what righteousness can we have., 
who are altogether corrupt ?" 

Another author observes, "In us all, who are by 
nature children of wrath, and born under the yoke of 
diabolical slavery, it is not expected that any will 
choose to come out of the mass, but those whom celes- 
tial mercy will deliver. u For it is not of him that 
willeth", nor of him that runneth, but of God that 
showeth mercy." 

Such was the light, scattered here and there in the 
midst of darkness. By this the God of mercy called, 
nourished, and sanctified his church, and prevented 
the prince of darkness from completely overspreading 
the earth. 



CHAP. I. 

GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH IN THIS CENTURY. 

Thf genuine church of Christ, under the protection 
and influence of her supreme Head, existed indeed m 
this century ; but it would be in vain to attempt a re- 
gular and systematic history of her proceedings. Some 
particular circumstances in different parts of the Chris- 
tian world, some pious and successful endeavors to 
propagate the gospel in pagan countries, some degrees 
of opposition to the reigning idolatry and superstition, 
and the writings of some pious and evangelical theo- 
logians, demonstrate, that the Spirit of God had not 
forsaken the earth. 

The Eastern church, enfeebled and oppressed by the 
Turks and Saracens without, and by civil bribes and 
factions within, continued sunk in ignorance, and ingulf- 
ed in the horrible pit and miry clay of sin. In the 
West some attention was paid to the improvement of 
learning ; particularly by the French and English ; and 
even the ferocious Normans began to cultivate their 
minds 

But it is almost in vain, that we look for the ema- 
nations of piety. In Italy and France, however, there 
were some, who felt the power of divine grace, and 
opposed the abominations of the popedom. 

In the East, the great source of political contention 
was the crusades : in the West, the disputes between 
the popes and emperors. The former were attended 
with dreadful evils, and much augmented the influence 



SENT. XI.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 167 

of that pernicious superstition, wliich commutes for 
offences, and teaches men to indulge in the worst of 
rices. 

It may not be improper to remark, that Africa, that 
once fruitful mother of churches, who gloried in her 
Cyprians and Augustine's', continued in a state of ex- 
treme affliction, blackened, with wretchedness and 
guilt. 

He who seriously reflects in what glory Asia and 
Africa once shone before God, and his Christ; and 
how dark and idolatrous they new are ; will see 
with what reverential care the jewel of the gospel 
should be cherished, while in our possession, lest we 
not only lose cur own sculs, but entail a curse on ages 
yet unborn. 

In this century also, missionaries continued to pene- 
trate into the northern regions. Some of them were 
tolerated, others cruelly persecuted ; a number put 
to death, and the of many crowned with suc- 

cess. Christianity on the whole, gained ground in 
those countries, softened the ferocity of those barba- 
rous people, and produced a happy alteration in man- 
ners and customs. Godliness has the promise of the 
life that now is, as well as of that which is to come. 
While it releases enslaved souls from the bondage of 
sin, and invests them with the garment of salvation ; 
it also meliorates their condition in this life, and diffu- 
ses the most salutary precepts of peace, order and 
tranquility. 

During this century considerable opposition was 
made to the corruption of popery ; and a number even 
suffered death on that account. 

Before the year 1026 there was a body of men in 
Italy, who in doctrine and practice were directly op- 
posite to the church of Rome. They distinguished 
themselves from the general mass of Christians, and 
made every effort to spread purity of Christian wor- 
ship through the world. 



fi* 



168 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS, [CENT. XT. 



Not long after arose the famous Berengarius of, 
Tours. He was the instrument of calling forth a de- 
gree of salutary opposition to the prevailing errors ; 
wrote against the doctrine of transubstantiation ; call- 
ed the church of Rome, a church of malignants, the 
council of vanity, and the seat of Satan. 

By such means, a check was given to the growing 
superstition, and the way paved for more effectual 
exertions. 



CHAPTER II. 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS OF THIS CENTURY. 



A number of luminous characters enlightened this 
age of darkness, and began to dispel the clouds of ig- 
norance. Margaret, Queen of Scotland, was one of 
the most distinguished. She was a woman of the 
rarest piety, and fitted to throw lustre on the most 
enlightened age. Wonderful things are related of 
her piety, liberality, and humanity. She softened the 
ferocious spirit of her husband, reformed the kingdom 
of Scotland, and introduced a more serious regard for 
the Sabbath than had previously been known in that 
country. Theodoric, her confessor, says, " She 
would discourse with me concerning the sweetness of 
everlasting rest, in such a manner as would draw tears 
from my eyes." 

During her last sickness, her husband was slain in 
battle. When the bitter news reached her ears, she 
reflected on it with Christian composure, sweetly ac- 
quiesced in the Divine will, and in a few days follow- 
ed him to the world of spirits. 



CENT. XI. 1 ANSELM, 169 

■ - 

AN S ELM. 

He was born in Piedmont. From early life, he was 
uncommonly serious, and made rapid progress in reli- 
gious knowledge. On the death of Lanfranc, Anselm 
succeeded him ia the see of Canterbury. 

That he was a strenuous supporter of the Papal do- 
minion, cannot be denied*; yet as a divine and a Chris- 
tian, he was one of the first characters ia this century. 

Anselm appeared much better b private, than in 
public life. Indeed he so disliked his high station, that. 
he entreated the pope to give him leave to resign his 
archbishopric and assume a character merely clerical. 

Finding the church overborne by the iniquities of a 
tyrant, he retired to the Continent a-:d employed his 
active mind in writing a treatise on the doctrine of the 
Trinity and Incarnation. This work was, at that time, 
very useful to the church ; for after a sleep of ages 
the genius of Arianism or Socinianism, or both, awoke, 
took advantage of the general ignorance; and corrupted 
the fundamental doctrines of Christianity. 

Anselm died in the sixteenth year of his archbishop- 
ric, and the seventy-sixth of his age. Toward the 
end of his life, he wrote on the Will, Predestination, 
and Grace, much ia Augustine's manner. In prayers, 
meditations, and hymns, he seems to have had a pecu- 
liar delight. 

The works of this great prelate are partly scholas- 
tic, and partly doctrinal ; taken together, they demon; 
strate him to have been eminently endowed with ge- 
nius and piety. Like Augustine, he abounds, both ia 
profound argumentation, and in devout and fervent 
meditation on practical godliness. 

He thus expresses his admiration, while he medi- 
t ates on the power of the cross. " hidden fortitude ! 
that a man, nailed to the cross, should overcoraq the 
world, and punish its wicked powers with everlasting 
destruction. secret power ! that a man, condemned 
15 



ttj ANSELM. fcE*JF, XI- 

with robbers, should save men condemned with cle 
vils ; that a man, extended ona cross, should draw all 
things to himself ! secret virtue ! that one, expi- 
ring in agony should draw innumerable souls from hell ; 
that a man should undertake the death of the body*, 
and destroy the death of souls !? 

This holy personage appears, from his comments on 
the fifth, sixth, and seventh of Romans, to have un- 
derstood the right use of the law and the gospel ; the 
power and pollution of indwelling sin ; its augmenta- 
tion in the heart from the irritation of the law, which 
forbids evil; and the real, and solid relief from guilt 
by the grace of Jesus Christ. 

Remove the rubbish of superstition, and view the 
inward man ; and you see in Anselm all that is vital 
and essential in godliness. Nor is he content with or- 
thodoxy of sentiment. Let us hearhow he pants after 
God, and learn from him to apply by prayer for the 
power of the doctrine, which we profess. u Draw me^ 
Lord, into thy love. As thy creature, lam thine alto- 
gether ; make me to be so in love. I ask, I seek, I 
knock. £ Thou who causest me to ask, cause me to re- 
ceive ; thou givest me to seek, give me to find ; thou 
teachest me to knock, open to my knocking. From 
thee I have the desire ; may I have the fruition. " 
Let this suffice, as a specimen of those groaning?, which" 
cannot be uttered, of which the breast of Anselm wais 
conscious, and which, in every age of the church, have 
been known by the real people of God. These spi- 
ritual emotions are delighful in the ears of the hea- 
venly host, and inferior only in harmony to the praises 
af just men made perfect." 

Speaking of the son of God he says, c - That the only 
begotten Son should undertake to intercede for me 
with the eternal Father, demonstrates him to be man ; 
and that he should succeed in his intercession, shews 
that th6 human nature is taken into union with the 
majesty of the Deity." 



CENT. XI. j anselm, 1 171 

He addresses the Son as God, as iC the Redeemer 
of captives, the Saviour of the lost, the Hope of ex- 
iles, the Strength of the distressed, the Enlarger of 
the enslaved spirit, the sweet Solace and refreshment 
of the mourning soul, the Crown of conquerors, the 
only Reward and joy of the citizens of heaven, the 
copious Source of all grace." 

Those alone who have searched deeply into the hu- 
man heart, have been truly serious for eternity ; 
have been w T ell practised in self-examination, and, 
are become well acquainted with their own demerits, 
are disposed to relish the precious truths of the gos- 
pel, advanced by this eminent divine. 

From the example of Ansel m, we may infer the 
inestimable benetit of reading the Scriptures, medi- 
tation and prayer. This was his delightful employ- 
ment ; and the blessed effects of it are exhibited in 
the actions of his life, and spirit of his writings. 



C&MTISWLT? Klin 



CHAP. I. 



THE LIFE OF BERNARD. 

A great luminary strikes our attention at the com- 
mencement of this century — the famous Bernard, ab- 
bot of Clairval. 

Bernard was a very ardent champion of the pope- 
dom, though not of the persona] characters of the 
popes. He inveighed against the prevailing enormi- 
ties, and particularly against the various evils of ec- 
clesiastical administration. la superstition also, he* 
was unhappily involved all his days. 

There was a time, when Bernard was idolized. 
His word was law through Europe, while he lived ; 
and for ma nT * * r o'r i ~" - Pi ^ *»'«? ri^otv, v.^ **r*>-. qr ov.^o!« 

thought to have been capable of a fault or mis- 
take. 

Bernard, was born in Fontaine, a village in Bur- 
gundy, in the year 1091. From infancy he was devo- 
ted to religion and study, and made rapid proficiency 
in knowledge. He early resolved to retire from the 
world, and engaged all his brothers, and many of his 
friends in the same monastic views with himself. 
The most rigid rules were agreeable to his inclina- 
tion. Hence, he became a Cistertian. T\iis sect 
was at that time, few in number. Their fondness for 
excessive austerity prevented their increase. Ber- 
nard, however, by his superior genius, his eminenfc 
piety, and ardent zeal, gave to this order, a lustre* 
and celebrity which their institution, by no means ds- 



CENT. XII.] LIFE OF BERNARD. ITS 

manded. He continued to rise in eminence among 
them, and was finally appointed abbot of Clairval. 

Bernard practiced and encouraged the most ex- 
treme austerities. Yet amidst them all, his soul was 
inwardly taught of God ; and as he grew in the divine 
life, he gradually learned to correct the harshness and 
austerity of his sentiments. Having reduced himself 
to the greatest weakness, by his absurd excesses, he 
was humbled under a sense of his folly, and confessed 
it in the strongest terms. He finally recovered his 
strength, and by preaching and travelling from place 
to place, began to exert himself for the good of man- 
kind. 

He decidedly refused the highest ecclesiastical 
dignities ; yet no Potentate, whether civil or ecclesi- 
astical, possessed such real power as he did. He 
reigned among men of all ranks, and his word became 
a law to princes and nobles. 

That which eminently marked the character of 
Bernard, amidst all the honors heaped upon him, was 
his unassembled humility. Though he was. the high- 
est in the judgment of men, he was the lowest in his 
own estimation. He said, and he felt what he said, 
namely, " That he had neither the will nor the pow- 
er to perform the services, for which he was so much 
extolled, but was wholly indebted to the influence of 
divine grace." 

The talents of Bernard, as a preacher, were doubt- 
less of the first order. He possessed that variety of 
gifts, which enabled him to address either the great 
or the vulgar. At the command of the pope, and at 
the request of other bishops, he was accustomed to 
preach in various places ; and the impressions left on 
the congregations, who crowded from ull parts to hear 
him, demonstrated the power of his eloquence. 
. 15* 



1?4 LIFE OF BERNARB. [CENT. XII. 

BERNARD'S DEFENCE OF EVANGELICAL TRUTH 
AGAENST A BELAUD. 

The merits of the controversy, between these two 
great men, can scarcely be appreciated, without a 
previous view of the life and transactions of the lat- 
ter. Peter Abelard was born in Britany in the year 
1079, and was a man of genius, industry and learning. 
Confident and presumptuous by nature, elated with 
applause, and far too haughty to submit to the simple 
truth revealed in Scripture, he was, from the mo- 
ment that he applied himself to the sacred writings, 
ardently disposed to embrace heretical sentiments. 
Having appeared, in a very splendid light, in the 
schools of philosophy, and been eo x ually distinguished 
for his acuteness and contentious spirit, he began to ex- 
hibit himself in public, and was admired by his igno- 
rant auditories. 

Elated with his success, he added to his erroneous 
doctrines a profligate life, and thus went on, till finally 
his projects of ambition were disappointed ; and he, 
with his unhappy Eloisa, retired into monastic obscu- 
rity. 

Ambition and the force of an active genius induced 
him to engage a second time in theological disputa- 
tions. He assumed the character of a teacher, and 
opposed every fundamental doctrine of Christianity. 
The doctrine of the Trinity he either renounced or 
confounded with philosophical speculations. The 
atonement of Christ, he in effect, denied; the effica- 
cious influences of the Spirit he asserted, in many ca- 
ses to be unnecessary ; and the fallen state of man 
fty nature, he excluded from his creed. Had Abe- 
lard renounced the Christian name, at the same time 
that he renounced the fundamental doctrines of the 
gospel, he would have merited the character of an 
honest man. But, such candor seldom belongs to the 
character of heretics. Strict truth, and plain deal- 



CENT. XII ] LIFE OF BERNARD, 175 

ing in religious matters, are scarcely to be expected 
from any, but those who are humbled before God, 
and sanctified by his truth. 

The rulers of the church took cognizance of this 
growing heresy, called a council at Soissons, and sum- 
moned Abelard to appear. He was accused of vari- 
ous heresies, ordered to commit his publications to 
the flames, and recite the symbols of Athanasius. 
He obeyed both the mandates, and after a short con* 
linement was set at liberty. 

But notwithstanding all this he persevered in pro- 
pagating his heretical sentiments ; and, at length, it 
became impossible for his errors to escape the obser- 
vation of the abbot of Clairval. 

About the year 1139, William, abbot of St. Thier- 
ry, alarmed at the growing progress of Abelard's doc- 
trine, wrote to Gregory, bishop of Chartres, and to 
Bernard, entreating them to undertake the defence of 
divine truth. ?' God knows I am confounded," says 
he, " when I, who am no man, am compelled t ^ad- 
dress, on a subject of urgent importance, you 'and 
others whose duty it was to speak, though hitherto 
you have been silent. For when I see the faith of 
our common hope so grievously and dangerously cor- 
rupted, without resistance and without contradiction ; 
the faith which Christ hath consecrated for us with his 
blood ; for which Apostles and martyrs contended, 
even to death ; which holy teachers defended with 
much labor and fatigue, and which they transmitted 
entire and uncorrupt to these dregs of time ; I feel a 
distress, which constrains me to speak for that faith, 
for which I would wish to die, if it were necessary. 
They are no small objects, which I lay before you. 
The faith of the holy Trinity, the Person of the Me- 
diator, the Holy Spirit, the grace of God, the sacra- 
ment of our common redemption, are the subjects 
which engage our attention. For Peter Abelard 
again teaches and writes aovelties ; his books cross 



176 LIFE OF BERNARD. [CENT. XIL 

the seas, and pass over the Alps ; and his new senti- 
ments, concerning the faith, are carried into pro- 
vinces and kingdoms, and preached to crowded audi- 
ences ; and are openly defended ; they are even said 
to have made their way into the court of Rome. I 
say to you both, your silence is dangerous, both to 
yourselves and to the church of God ; I tell you, this 
monster is as yet in labor ; but if he be not prevented, 
he will eject a poisonous serpent, for which no charm- 
er can be found." 

u If I can convince you, that I am justly moved, I 
trust you will also be moved ; and in an important 
cause like this, will not fear to part with him, though 
he be a foot, an hand, or even an eye. I myself have 
loved him, and wish to do so still (God is my witness,) 
but in this cause, I know neither relation nor friend." 

Thus excited, the heroic spirit of Bernard was 
roused to attend to the subject ; he made himself 
master of it, and impressed with its immense magni- 
tude, resolved to exert himself on the occasion. He 
first held a private conference with Abelard, and ad- 
monished him in a friendly manner. This first at- 
tempt being fruitless, he according to the rules of 
Scripture, took with him two or three persons, and 
in their presence expostulated with the innovator. 
Finding his endeavors ineffectual, he began to warn 
the disciples of Abelard against the errors of their 
master ; and to guard, so far as he could, the Chris- 
tian world against the growing heresy. 

In the a"Tbiepiscopal city of Sens, a superstitious 
ceremony was to be performed in the year 1140, and 
a vast e&ncourse of people expected to attend. Abe- 
lard, incensed at the open and repeated opposition of 
Bernard, chaMesged him to make good his charges of 
heresy on thai occasion. 

Bernaid seems to have been considerably embar- 
rassed at (his step. His good sense enabled him to 
see -the diifereiice between popular preaching, and 



CENT. XII.] LITE OF BERNARD. 1W 

close scholasiical argumentation ; to the former he 
had been habituated ; with the latter he was unac- 
quainted. He knew also that Abelard excelled all 
men in controversy, and that age and experience gave 
him a great advantage over a young antagonist. Ber- 
nard, therefore, at first, refused to appear. 

Elated at the apparent pusillanimity of Bernard, 
Abelard collected his friends, spake in a strong tone 
of victory, and appealed to marry concerning the jus- 
tice of his cause. But recollecting that vast multi- 
tudes were going to the spectacle to behold the com^ 
bat ants, that Christians would stumble at his appa- 
rent cowardice, the adversary would triumph, and 
error would grow stronger, Bernard with much re- 
luctance, yielded to the advice of friends, and deter* 
mined to meet Abelard, at the time and place ap- 
pointed. 

The assembly was splendid. Lewis VII. was there 
with his nobles ; the archbishop, with the bishops of 
his diocese, many abbots, professors, and in general 
all the learned of France were present. 

The superstitious ceremony being performed on the 
nr« L . fl r ~" ihrk second **z hvn'nl^ntci **wpared. 
and every eye was fixed on them. The whole as- 
sembly was suspended in expectation of the contest. 
Bernard arose, and in a modest and diffident manner 
declared, " I accuse not this man, let his own works 
speak against him. Here they are, and there are 
the propositions extracted from them. Let him say, 
I wrote them not, or let him condemn them, if they 
be erroneous, or let him defend them against my ob- 
jections." He then delivered the charges to the pro- 
moter, who began distinctly to read them. He had 
not read far, when Abelard arose, "I appeal," said 
he, u . to the pope," and refusing to hear any more, 
began to leave the. assembly, which was astonished 
at the unexpected stop. u Do you fear," said Ber- 
nard, "for your person? you are perfectly secure ; 



II 



178 



LIFE OF 



BERNARD. 



[cent, xy 



you know that nothing is intended against you; yoi} 
may answer freely, assured of a patient hearing.' 7 
U I have appealed to the court of Rome/' cried the 
appalled heretic, and withdrew. 

The bishops of France wrote to the pope, an ac* 
count of these proceedings, in which they affirm that 
Bernard " certainly a? pear ect at Sens, inflamed with 
pious fervor, nay unqifestionably, with the fire of the 
Holy Spirit." They also observed that Abelard's 
sentiments were read over in public, and that the ar- 
guments of Bernard, convinced the synod that the sen- 
*j>osed, were not only false but 



a s labors, in this cause, on 

would, was very great, and 

designs of the enemy. One 



timents. which he cpp 
"heretical. 

• The hifltience of Be 
the miiids oi ] Chri.sl 
decisively defeated the 

of the writers of Bernard's life observes ; u Blessed 
be God, who gave to us a better master, by whom he 
confuted the ignorance of the former, and quashed his 
arrogance; by whom Christ exhibited to us three 
special objects in his sufferings; an example of virtue, 
an incentive of love, aad a sacrifice of redemption." 
SCuSGa by the exhortation of Bernard, ihe pope 
pronounced a definitive sentence against Abelard, or- 
dered his works to be burnt, and the heretic ie be 
confined in a monastery ; in which place he ended his 
days. 



SOME ACCOUNT OF THE CATHARI, AND OF BER- 
NARD'S CONDUCT TOWARDS THEM. 



Bernard was held in such high estimation, that no 
character nor sect arose, but he was looked up to, as 
a judge, to decide concerning their merit. He had 
not always the means of such accurate information, 
as in the case of Abelard ; hence there is reason to 
believe, that he treats as heretics, some, " who were 
th$ excellent of the earth," The Cathari, in parti- 



SENT. XII.] LflPlf OF BERXARB. 179 

cular, were a people, whom he unjustly condemns. 
The term Gathari, corresponds with the more mo- 
dem appellation of Puritans, and was most probably 
affixed to them in derision and contempt. 

This people were very numerous throughout a great 
part of Europe ; but Colonge, Flanders, the South 
of France, and the North of Italy, were their princi- 
pal places of residenc - were a poor and il- 
literate, yet plain, unassuming, harmless, and indus- 
trious race of people. By their doctrine and manners, 
they condemned the whole apparatus of the resigning 
superstition; placed true religion in the faith and 
love of Christ ; and retained a supreme regard for 
the word of God. 

They continued in a state of extreme persecution 
threi; gh th i s c e n t u :• y . It seems th a t G od term e d t he m 
I forth his praise, and to provoke the rest of 

mankind by the light of true humility and holiness. 

Bernard attacks them with great boldness, brings 
very formidable acci sati ns against them ; yet his 
testimony, in favor of then general conduct, seems 
to overbad i his invectives. He says, u If you 

ask them of their faith, nothing can be more Chris- 
tian; if you observe their conversation, nothing can 
be more blameless ; and what they speak, they prove 
by deed:, " L r ts that these men died with cou- 

rage in defence of their doctrines, and blames those 
wHo had. in an ill gal and irregular manner, destroy- 
ed some of them; still he brings heavy charges against 
them, and condemns them for crimes, which they had 
never committed. 

The lover of real Christianity should not be stum- 
bled at these things. The power of prejudice is 
great, and it is hard to say how many wrong notions, 
both Bernard and these supposed heretics might 
maintain ; and yet both serve the same God in the 
gospel of his Son. That he did so is abundantly evi- 
dent ; that many of them did so, their lives and suf- 



180 LIFE OF BERNARD. [-CENT. XI*. 

jferings evince. It will be one of the felicities of hea- 
ven that saints will no longer misunderstand each other. 
An extract from the writings of one of this sect will 
farther illustrate their principles. u The first prin- 
ciple of those," says he, " whe-^ekmre to serve God 
is to honor God the Father, to implore the grace cf 
his glorious Son, and the 'Holy Ghost, who enlightens 
us in the true way. This is the Trinity, full of allpow- 
er, wisdom, and goodness." " To the love of God,'* 
he observes, u the love of our neighbor should be 
joined, which comprehends the love even of our ene- 
mies." He speaks of the believer's hope of beh g 
received into glory ; he explains the origin cf all 
that evil, which reigns in the world; and traces it 
up to the sin of Adam, which brought forth death, 
whence, says he, Christ hath redeemed us by his own 
death. 

EXTRACTS FPvOM BERNARD'S WRITINGS. 

The zeal of Bernard appears very fervent in a 
small tract concerning conversion, in which he insists- 
largely, and distinctly on the necessity of divine illu- 
mination, in order to genuine conversion. He exhorts 
his audience to self-examination ; and while he press- 
es them to investigate their own breasts, he points 
out the salutary effects cf a just conviction of sin. 
Speaking of the joys which Christians" experience he 
says : — u Expect not from us a description of their 
nature. The Spirit alone reveals them; they are 
to be known only by experience. Not erudition, but 
unction, teaches here ; not knowledge, but inward 
consciousness, comprehends them." 

In a sermon on the Song of Solomon, Bernard lays open 
something of his own experience on the operations of 
the Holy Spirit, and illustrates our Saviour's compari- 
son of them to the wind, u Thou knowest not whence 
-it cometh, and whither it goeth." After a preamble. 



CENT. XII. J LIFE OF BERNARD- K>Jb 

full of cautious modesty, and the most unaffected re- 
verence ; he says, " I was sensible, that he was pre- 
sent with me ; I remembered it after his visits were 
over; sometimes I had a presentiment of his entrance^ 
but I never could feel his entrances or his exit* 
Whence he came and whither he departed, by what 
way he entered or left me, I confess, that I am even 
now ignorant ; and no wonder, for his footsteps are 
not known. You ask, then, since all his ways are un- 
searchable, whence could I know that he was present ? 
His presence is living, and powerful ; it awakened 
my slumbering soul ; it moved, softened, and wound- 
ed my heart, which had been hard, stony, and distem- 
peiecl. It watered the dry places, illuminated the 
dark, opened those which were shut, inflamed the 
cold, made the crooked straight, and the rough way* 
plain ; so that my soul blessed the Lord, and all that 
was within me praised his holy name. 5 ' 

His writings abundantly evince his experience in the 
various operations of the Holy Spirit ; and his ser- 
mons show that he made a practical use of these things. 

The divine life was, it seems, understood in the 
twelfth century ; that same life which is felt in all 
ages by holy men, which has its foundation in the genu- 
ine doctrines of grace, which alone produces true 
virtue upon earth, which is the comfort of real Chris- 
tians, and- the ridicule of mere philosophers, and which 
will issue to heavenly glory. 

DEATH AND CHARACTER OF BERNARD. 

No one of the ancient fathers seems to have had so 
little justice done to his memory, as Bernard. He 
lived in an age so ignorant and superstitious, that Pro- 
testants are ready to ask, u Can any good thing come 
out of the twelfth century? It is difficult to say whe- 
ther he has been more injured by the extravagant enco- 
miums of some, or by the illiberal censures of others, 
16 



182 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. XH; 

If we strip him of hh ascetic vest, and consider the 
interior endowm ents, he will appear to have been no 
mean or ordinary character. His learning was hut 
moderate; his understanding was solid, and his judg* 
niet)t seldom erred in subjects or cases, where the pre- 
judices of the age did not warp the imagination. His 
genius was truly sublime, his temper sanguine, his 
mind active and vigorous. The love of God appears 
to have taken deep root in his soul, and to have been 
always steady, though always ardent. His charity was 
equal to his zeal ; and his tenderness and compassion 
to Christian brethren, went hand in hand with his seve- 
rity against the heretical, the profane, and the vicious 
In humility he was truly admirable ; .he scarcely 
seems to have felt a glimpse of pleasure on account of 
the extravagant praises every where bestowed upeq 
him. His heart-felt dependence en Christ, and his 
heavenly affections, were incontestably strong. He 
united much true Christian knowledge with much su- 
perstition. There is not an essential doctrine of the 
gospel which he did not embrace with zeal, defend 
with argument, and adorn by practice. Socinianism, 
in particular, was by his means nipped in the bud, 
and prevented from thriving in the Christian world. 

Such was Bernard, who is generally called the best 
of the fathers 

He died at the age of about sixty-three, and at length, 
at; we have reason to believe, through faith and pa- 
tience inherited the promises. 



CHAPTER IL 

GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH IN THIS CENTtRY. 

Of the Greek church, hardly any thing occurs, which 
properly falls wifchin the design of this history. Su- 
perstition, idolatry, frivolous contentions, arc! metaphy- 
sical niceties, attended with a lamentable want of true 
piety, form almost the whole phenomena of the East-. 



QBST. XII. J GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 1SS 

In this chaos of the church, only a fan* facts will be 
mentioned, which may throw some light on its general 
state. 

Just at the close of the eleventh century, Pope Ur- 
ban II. held a Synod of 150 bishops, in order to promote 
the Crusades, and exhorted the Christian world to con- 
fear in promoting that object. In the year 1099 Jeru- 
salem was taken by the Crusaders, and the fanatical 
war continued to agitate both Europe and Asia. Among 
the thousand evils which this war produced, was the 
-sale of indulgences. This iniquitous traffic the pope 
diffused through Europe, for the purpose of encouraging 
ivhat was called the Holy War. He dared to usurp 
the authority which belonged only to God, by pretend- 
ing to abolish the punishment, which awaited the wick- 
ad in the world to come. The whole discipline of th§ 
church was, by this means dissolved ; and those whd 
had the means to purchase a license to sin, were em- 
boldened to let loose the reigns of vice and folly. 

The revival of learning, at this time, gave a new tone 
and vigor to the human mind ; although it could not com- 
municate grace, nor even enable men to see the folly 
of enslaving themselves to the popedom. The influ- 
ence of the bishops of Rome grew prodigious ; the 
emperors of Germany trembled under the rod; and 
even some of the bravest and most judicious kings of 
England, were found unequal to contend with the hie- 
rarchy. Innocent III. in an edict, which he published, 
declared, that he would not endure the least contempt 
of himself nor- God, whose place he held on earth J 
and that he was determined to act like a sovereign. 

The learning, as well as the impiety of the Conti- 
nent, passed into England. That island was rapidly 
advancing into a deplorable subjection to the Roman 
see. Princes of solid understanding, lamented, strug- 
gled, and resisted ; but to little effect. They felt the 
temporal oppression of ecclesiastical tyranny, while 
they were perfectly regardless of their own spiritual 
misery ; and even assisted the court of Rome in per- 



184 GENERAL STATE OF THE -CHURCH. [CEiST. XII. 

securing real Christians. One instance of the barbari- 
ty of Henry II. deserves to be distinctly recorded. 

Thirty men and women, who were Germans, ap- 
peared in England in the year 1159, and were after- 
wards brought before a council at Oxford. Gerard, 
their teacher, said that they w r ere Christians, and be- 
lieved the doctrines of the Apostles. They expressed 
an abhorrence of the doctrine of purgatory, of prayers 
for the dead, and of the invocation of saints. Henry, 
in conjunction w T ith the council, ordered them to be 
branded with a hot iron, on the forehead, to be whip- 
ped through Oxford, to have their clothes cut short, 
to be turned into the open fields ; and he likewise for- 
bade any person, under severe penalty, to shelter or 
relieve them. They remained, however, patient, se- 
rene, and composed, repeating, u Blessed are those* 
who are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs 
is the kingdom cf heaven." Being the depth of win- 
ter, they all lost their lives through cold and hunger. 

What a darkness must at that time have filled this 
Island. A wise, and sagacious king, a renowned Uni- 
versity, the whole body of the clergy and laity, all 
united in expelling Christ from their coast. 

It may be asked, u Where was the true church to 
be found in this disastrous period ?" In a general ap- 
pearance of national religion she was not to be disco- 
vered; yet, God had his secret ones, who lived in hum- 
ble security ; and amidst the convulsions of a surround- 
ing world, enjoyed the light of Emmanuel's countenance. 
When contemplating the darkness of this period, a true 
believer may find consolation by reflecting, that all this 
was foretold ; and that the most disastrous, as well a& 
the most glorious, events, are predicted in Scripture. 

The gospel w T as in this century farther extended 
among the idolatrous nations ; though the methods of . 
propagating divine truth, were too often unchristian, 
yet some missionaries in this period seem to have been 
actuated by an apostolical spirit, and manifested a wil- 
lingness to spend and be spent for the good of souls. 



CEMTTUR1T XIII. 



CHAP. I. 

THE WALDENSES. 

The reader will recollect the account which has 
been given of the Cathari, a people of God who lived 
in the former part of the last century. In the latter 
part of the same century they received a great acces- 
sion of numbers from the learned labors, and godly 
zeal of Peter Waldo. In this century they were 
gloriously distinguished by a dreadful series of perse- 
cution; and exhibited a spectacle, both of the power 
of divine grace, and of the malice and enmity of the 
world against the real gospel of Jesus Christ. The 
history of this people will be represented in one con- 
nected view, till the time of the Reformation, and a 
little after. The spirit, doctrine, and progress, of 
the Waldenses will be more clearly understood by 
this method, than by broken and interrupted details. 

The Cathari were particularly numerous in the 
valleys of Piedmont. Hence they were called Vallen- 
ses. A mistake arose from a similarity of names, 
that Peter Waldo or Valdo was the founder of these 
churches. It was therefore denied, that they had 
any existence till the appearance of Peter * Waldo. 
But from a just account of the subject, it appears 
that their popular founder was Claudius of Turin, the 
Christian hero of the ninth century. 

About the year 1 160 the doctrine of transubstantia- 
tion was required, by the court of Rome, to be ac- 
knowledged by all men. A very pernicious practice 
16* 



186 THE WALDENSE3. [CENT. XIII. 

of idolatry was connected with the reception of tins 
doctrine. People fell down before the consecrated 
host, and worshipped it as God. The novelty, absur- 
dity and impiety, of this abomination, very much 
struck the mind of Peter Waldo, a citizen of Lyons. 
Influenced by the fear of God, and an alarming sense 
of the wickedness of the times, he courageously oppo- 
sed this, and other dangerous corruptions of the hie- 
rarchy. 

A providential circumstance had given the first oc- 
casion to this Reformer's concern for his soul. Being 
assembled with some of his friends, one of the compa- 
ny fell down dead upon the ground, to the amazement 
of all who were present. From that moment it pleas- 
ed God, that Waldo should commence a serious inqui- 
rer after divine truth. This person was an opulent 
merchant of Lyons ; and as his concern of mind in- 
creased, and a door of usefulness to the souls of men 
was more and more set open before him, he abandon- 
ed his mercantile occupation, distributed his wealth 
to the poor, and exhorted his neighbors to seek the 
bread of life. The poor, who flocked to him, receiv- 
ed from him the best of instructions ; and reverenced 
the man to whom they were so much indebted ; while 
the great and the rich hated and dispised him. 

Waldo, however, that he might teach others effec- 
tually, needed himself to be taught. Darkened and 
distressed in mind and conscience, he knew that the 
Scriptures were given as the only infallible guide ; 
and he thirsted for that source of instruction, which 
was then, for the greater part, a sealed book in the 
Christian world. He applied himself to the sacred 
study, found means to translate the Bible, and diffu- 
sed the precious gift among the people. 

As Waldo grew more acquainted with the Scrip- 
tures, he discovered, that the general practice of no- 
minal Christians was abhorrent to the doctrines of the 
New Testament. Inflamed with equal zeal and cha- 



CENT. XIII.] THE WALDENSES. IS* 

rity, he boldly condemned the reigning vices of the 
pope, taught his neighbors the principles of practical" 
godliness, and encouraged them to seek salvation by 
Jesus Christ. 

Pope Alexander III. having heard of these proceed- 
ings, anathematized the Reformer and his adherents, 
and commanded the archbishop of Lyons to proceed 
against him with the utmost rigor. Waldo made his 
escape ; his disciples followed him ; a dispersion took 
place ; and his doctrines were more widely spread 
through Europe. 

Persecuted from place to place, Waldo retired in- 
to Picardy. Success still attended his labors, and the 
doctrines, which he preached, so harmonized with 
those of the Waldenses, that they and his people were 
henceforward considered as one. 

To support and encourage the church of Christ 
formed no part of the glory of the greatest princes of 
that age. Philip Augustus, one of the most prudent 
and sagacious princes that France ^ver saw, took up 
arms against the Waldenses of Picardy, pulled down 
three hundred houses belonging to gentlemen who 
supported them, and drove the inhabitants into Flan- 
ders. Not content with these acts of barbarity, he 
pursued them thither, and caused many of them to bo 
burnt. 

Waldo fled into Germany, and settled at last in Bo- 
hernia. There he ended his days about the year 
1179. He was indeed a very extraordinary person, 
resembling in many respects, the immediate succes- 
sors of the Apostles. But his acquirements, piety, 
-and labors, met with no reward upon earth. He ap- 
pears to have been one of those, of whom the world 
was not worthy ; who turned many to righteousness, 
and who shall shine as stars for ever and ever. 

The word of God grew and multiplied in those rev 
gions, where Waldo had planted it. In some places, 
it was followed with a powerful effusion of the Holy 



1SS THE WALDENSES. [CENT. XIII. 

Spirit. Persecutions ensued ; many were put to 
death, and died in confident assurance of a blessed 
immortality. 

Almost throughout Europe, Waldenses were treat- 
ed as the offscouring of the earth, and as a people 
against whom all the power and wisdom of the world 
were united. But u the witnesses continued to pro- 
phesy in sackcloth," and souls were built up in the 
faith, hope, and charity of the gospel. 

We are justly called on, in this place, to vindicate 
the claim, which this people made to the honorable 
character of the church of God. In times of very 
great declension, whoever is led by the Spirit of God 
to revive true religion, necessarily exposes himself to 
the invidious charges of arrogance, uncharitableness, 
and self conceit. By condemning all others, he pro- 
vokes the rest of the world to observe, and investi- 
gate his faults. These disadvantages the Waldenses 
had in common with other reformers, they had also 
disadvantages peculiar to themselves. Power, know- 
ledge, and iearning, were almost entirely in the hands 
of their adversaries ; in them very particularly, God 
chose the weak and foolish things of the world to con- 
found the wise. As they were, for the most part, a 
plain and illiterate people, they furnished no learned 
divines, no profound reasoners, nor able historians. 
Tne vindication of their claims, therefore, to the cha- 
racter of a true church, must be drawn principally 
from the holiness of their lives, and the patience of 
their sufferings. 

Nothbig can exceed the calumnies of their adversa- 
ries. In this respect, they had the honor to bear the 
cross of the first Christians. Almost every name of 
reproach, which the malice of men could invent, was 
heaped upon them. It would be endless to recite 
them. But however nur^en >us, they were sufficient- 
ly confuted by the authentic writings, holy lives, and 
patient sufferings of this people. 



GENT. XIII.] THE WALDENSES. ISS 

We may form some just idea of the piety and pro- 
bity of the Waldenses, from the following testimony 
of their enemies. 

A Pontifical persecutor says, u In morals and life 
they are good, true in words, unanimous in brotherly 
love." 

Rainerius, the cruel persecutor, owns that the Wat 
denses were accustomed to read the Scriptures, and 
in their preaching cited the words of Christ, and his 
Apostles ;, that they taught men to live agreeably to 
the rules of the Bible ; that they lived religious lives; 
that their manners were seasoned with grace, their 
words prudent, and that they frequently discoursed 
upon divine things. 

He likewise informs us, that they faithfully in- 
structed their children. 

The bishop of Turin wrote a treatise against their 
doctrines, in which he candidly owns that they were 
blameless, without reproach among men, and that they 
observed the divine commands with all their might. 

Another says, that he had seen some; among theiri^ 
who could recite the book of Job ; and several others, 
who could repeat the whole New Testament. 

The bishop of C avail] on, to convince them of their 
errors, sent them a preaching monk. He returned in 
confusion, and owned, that in his whole life he had 
never known so much of the^ Scripture, as he had 
learned those few days, in which he had held confer- 
ence with the heretics. 

One of the Doctors, who had been sent among them 
from the theological school of Paris, openly confessed, 
that he had understood more of the doctrines of salva- 
tion, from the answers of little children in their cate- 
chisms, than by all the disputations he had ever heard. 

The same author informs us, that Lewis XII. im* 
portuned by the calumnies of informers, sent tw r o res- 
pectable persons into Provence to make inquiries. 
They reported, that in visiting all their parishes ajid 



190 ?HE WALDENSES. [CENT. XIIj. 

temples, they found no images nor Roman ceremo- 
nies ; that they could not discover any marks of the 
crimes, with which they were charged ; that the Sab- 
bath was strictly observed ; that children were bap- 
tized according to the rules of the primitive church, 
and instructed in the articles of the primitive faith^ 
and the commandments of God. Lewis, having heard 
the report, declared with an oath, " They a^re better 
men than myself or my people." 

Thousands of these godly people, against whom 
malice could say no evil, but what admits the most 
satisfactory refutation, were seen patiently to suffer 
persecution for the sake of Christ. They were dis- 
tinguished for every virtue, and only hated for godli- 
ness itself. Persecutors, with a sigh, owned, That 
because of their virtues, they were the most dange- 
rous enemies of the church* 

How obdurate is the heart of man by nature. Mea 
could see and own the superior excellence of these 
persons, and yet could barbarously persecute them. 
What a blessed light is that of Scripture ? By that, 
the Waldenses saw the road to heaven, of which the 
wisest of iheir contemporaries were ignorant ! How 
marvellous are the ways of God ! How faithful his 
promise in supporting, and maintaining a church, evea 
in the darkest times ! But her livery is often sack- * 
xloth, and her external bread that of affliction. 

THE DOCTRINE OF THE WALDENSES. 

The Waldenses were faithful to the great funda- 
mental principles of Protestantism. Enough appears 
on record to evince the correctness of their sentiments. 

To transcribe their confession of faith would be te- 
dious. Let it suffice to mention the most important 
points. 

The confession of the Bohemian Waldenses is very 
explicit. They say that men ought to acknowledge 



©ENT. XIII.] THE WALBEN3E8. 191 

themselves born in sin, and to be burdened with the 
Weight 'of sin; that they ought to acknowledge, that 
fur this depravity, and for the sins springing up from 
this root of bitterness, utter perdition deservedly hangs 
aver our heads ; that ail should own, that they can in 
no way justify themselves, nor have any thing to trust 
to but Christ alone. 

Ihey assert that all who are saved, have been elect- 
ed of God. before the foundation of the world. They 
a practical view of the doctrine of the Trinity, 
perfectly agreeable to the iaith of the orthodox in all 
aqes. Let it suffice to mention what they say of the 
Holy Ghost : — tw We believe that he is our Ccmfoi tor, 
proceeding from the Father, and from the Son ; by 
whose inspiration we pray, being renewed by him, 
who performeth ail good works in us ; and by him we 
have knowledge of ail truth. ' 

Their catechism, for the instruction of youth con- 
tains, in substance, the same vital truths, which fowa 
the catechism of Protestant churches. 

There is among this people a very ancient confess 
sion of sin, which was commonly used ; and which 
shows that they taught every person to apply to him 
self that hideous picture of human depiavity, which 
St. Paul delineates, and which every Christian feels 
and laments. 

PERSECUTIONS OF THE WALDENSES. 

The external history of the Waldenses is little else 
but a series of persecution. it is to be regretted, that 
while we have a large account of the cruelties of their 
persecutors, we have very scanty accounts of the spirit 
with which they suffered. 

Both princes and people were now enslaved to the 
popedom,. and weie easily led to persecute the chil- 
dren of God, with the most savage barbarity. We 
are astonished, when reading the details of this perse^ 
cution. It was an assemblage of every thing crvid; 
perfidious, indec$nt ; and detestable. 



192 THE WALDENSES. (CENT. XIH, 

The Waldenses were considered the greatest ene- 
mies to the church of Rome, because they had a great 
appearance of godliness, lived righteously before men, 
and in all things believed rightly concerning God. 

In the year 120G, Pope Innocent III., instituted the 
inquisition ; and the Waldenses were the first objects 
of his cruelty. He authorized certain monks to frame 
the process, and to deliver the supposed heretics to the 
secular power. In the beginning of the thirteenth 
century, thousands were hanged and burned by this 
wicked device. Their sole crime was, that they had 
trusted only in Jesus Christ for salvation, and renounced 
all the vain hopes of self-righteousness, idolatry, and 
superstition. 

From the establishment of the court of inquisition^ 
till the year 1228, the havoc made among helpless 
Christians was such, that the work of imprisonment 
was deferred, because the number apprehended was 
so great that it was impossible to defray the charges 
of their subsistence ; or even to provide stone and mor- 
tar to build prisons for them. Yet so true is it that 
the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church, that 
in the year 1530 there were in Europe 800,000 who 
professed the religion of the Waldenses. 

Previously, however, to these horrid cruelties, the 
pope used gentle means with the Waldenses, and en- 
deavored, by persuasion, to bring them over. A monk, 
whom he had sent among them, was murdered, most 
probably by Raymond, count of Toulouse. The con* 
duct of- this one man so exasperated the pope, that he 
resolved on the utter destruction of the Waldenses, 
despatched preachers throughout Europe, and collect- 
ed all, who were willing to revenge the innocent blood 
of Peter. " We promise, "said he in his bull, "to all 
who shall take up arms to revenge the said murder, the* 
pardon and remission of their sins. We exhort you, 
that you would endeavor to destroy the wicked heresy 
of the Albigenses, and do this with more vigor, thanyoti 



# 



CENT. XIII.*j THE WALMNSES. 193 

would use towards the Saracens themselves. Perse- 
cute them with a strong hand ; deprive them of their 
lands and possessions ; banish them, and put Roman 
Catholics in their room. 

Three hundred thousand pilgrims, induced by the 
United motives of avarice and superstition, filled the 
country of the Albigenses with carnage and confusion 
for several years. Thus were exhibited the most hor- 
rid scenes of baseness, perfidy, barbarity, indecency, 
and hypocrisy. 

The castle of Metterbe on the frontiers of Spain, for 
want of water, was reduced to surrender to the Pope's 
legate. A certain abbot undertook to preach to those 
who were found in the castle, and to exhort them to ac- 
knowledge the pope. But they interrupted his dis- 
course, declaring that his labors were to no purpose. 
Earl Simon and the legate then caused a great fire to 
be kindled, and burned an hundred and forty per- 
sons of both sexes. These martyrs died in triumph, 
praising God that he had counted them worthy to suf- 
fer for the sake of Christ. 

In the year 1229 a council was held at Toulouse ; one 
of the canons cf which was, that the laity should have 
neither' the Old nor New 7 Testament in the vulgar 
tongue, and that men should not translate the Scrip- 
tures. 

About the year 1400, the persecutors attacked 
the Waldenses in the valley of Pragela. The poor 
people, seeing their cave possessed by their enemies, 
who assaulted them during the severity of winter, re- 
treated to one of the highest mountains of the Alps ; the 
mothers earning cradles and leading by iht hand those 
little children who were able to walk. Many of them 
were murdered, others starved to death ; a hundred 
and eighty children were found dead in their cradles, and 
the greatest part of their mothers died soon after them. 

In the valley of Lyons 400 little children were found 
suffocated in their cradles, or in the arms of their de- 
ll 



194 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. XIII 

ceased mothers, in consequence of a great quantity of 
wood being placed at the entrance of the cave, and set 
.on fire. More than 3,000 persons, belonging to the" 
valley, were destroyed ; and this righteous people 
were in that place exterminated. 

But it would be uninteresting to pursue a history of 
the persecutions, which continued more or less violent 
till the end of the sixteenth century. We therefore 
turn from a scene, in which there is nothing but a repe- 
tition of enormities, and which equally shows th^infiu- 
£nce of the prince of darkness, and the enmity of the 
ftarnal mind against God. 



CHAPTER, XL 

aENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH IN THIS CENTURY. 

From the foregoing account, the reader is prepared 
to conclude, that, abstracted from the "VvYldens'es, 
there was, at this time, scarcely a church of Christ to 
>>e found in Europe. But as the YValdenses confessed, 
there were some " individual souls in Babylon" who 
loved the Lord, and served him under oil the disad- 
vantages of popish tyranny, and superstition. 

The gloom of ignorance was very great ; nor was it 
abated, but in some respects rather increased, by the 
growing celebrity of the Aristotelian philosophy. For 
by it the understandings of men were furnished with 
polemical weapons, but by no means enlightened with 
useful truths. Endless questions were started, and as 
every student was much more engaged in confounding 
his adversary, than in explaining any one object of 
science, every serious inquirer after truth must have 
been embarrassed beyond measure. The controvert 



VfENT. XIII.] GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. 195' 

sial combatants, while they raised the dust of conten- 
tion, suffocated each other ; and gave no real light, 
either to themselves or to the world in general. 

Some few there were, of superior genius and pene- 
tration, who saw through the sophistry of the fashipn- 
>ahle learning, and cultivated a more reasonable mode- 
$f intellectual improvement. 

Roger Bacon, the Franciscan friar, stands distin- 
guished among these. His knowledge of astronomy, 
optics, and mathematics, as well as of Greek and Ori- 
ental learning, was wonderfully great for the age ia 
w T hich he lived. But lne, and a very few others, shone- 
in vain, except to themselves, in the firmament of 
knowledge. All feared, scarcely any aided, and very 
few understood them. 

Bacon speaks very contemptuously of the learning 
of his contemporaries, particularly of the Dominicans 
and* Franciscans, who were almost the only orders 
that devoted themselves to study. These men had 
ample buildings, and princely houses ; they attended 
the death-beds of the great and rich, and urged them 
to bequeath immense legacies to their own orders. 
They gained much ground in this century ; and indeed, 
till the institution of the Jesuits, they were the pillars 
of the Papacy. Persecution of heretics, so called, 
formed a great part of their employment. The Do- 
minicans, in particular, were the founders of the inqui* 
sition. 

In the year 1234, Pope Gregory IX. wishing to re- 
vive the Crusades, and feeling the connexion between 
tills cause and the credit of the popedom, invited men 
to assume the cross, and proceed to the Holy Land. 
He pretended, ia the name of God, to absolve Crusa- 
ders from real guilt, and to assure to them the kingdom 
of heaven. 

Previously to this event, the growing enormity of 
self-righteousness had been encouraged throughout the 
Christian world. The- evil was now multiplied ex- 



195 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH- [CENT. XI11. 

ceedingly. The additional doctrine of commutation 
for penances removed the mind still farther from 
Christ, fixed its dependence more strongly on the pope- 
dom, and opened the floodgates of vice and immorality. 
A religion prevailed, which accommodated itself to all 
sorts of sinners'; those of a more decent cast were 
taught to expect divine favor by their own works ; and 
the more scandalous transgressors, by the doctrine of 
commutation for offences, might still obtain forgive- 
ness. 

The scripture was all this time neglected ; the 
knowledge of the Hebrew tongue was, in a great 
measure, lost, and even the learning, which was revi- 
ving, became a powerful instrument of augmenting the 
general obscurity. 

Of the Eastern church, scarcely any thing worthy 
of relation occurs ; yet it may be proper to mention, 
that in the year 1299, Othman in the East, was pro- 
claimed Sultan, and founded a new Empire, called the 
Othman Empire. The mixed multitude, of which 
this Empire was composed, were the remains of four 
Sultanies, which had for some time subsisted in the 
neighborhood of the river Euphrates. Under the name 
of Turks, they succeeded the Saracens in propagating 
Mahcmetanism, in diffusing the horrors of war, and in 
scourging the people of Europe for their idolatry and 
flagitiousness. 



OSMfUEf XXV. 



CHAP. I. 



GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH IN THIS CENTURY. 

The same ignorance and superstition, the same 
vices and immoralities, which predominated in the 
last century, discoloured the appearance of the church 
in this. Real Christians were still to be found, either 
among the Waldenses, or in obscurity, worshipping 
Gocl under the unspeakable disadvantages of the gene- 
ral corruptions. There arose, indeed, in this centu- 
ry, various sectaries, who were cruelly persecuted, 
and whom, at first sight, we are ready to conclude 
must have been real Christians. We cannot, how- 
ever, find positive evidence that any of them prpfes- 
tlie doctrines of the gospel, or were influenced by 
the i t of Jesus. Some of them were the 

i man nature, both in their principles and 
their practice. 

These persecuted sects were called Lollards, a 
name of reproach generally given to all professors of 
piety. The church of God, therefore, considered as 
a society, seems only to have existed among the peo- 
ple, whose history has been related above. 

Nor far fvom this time, a schism took place in the 
church, which was providentially a blessing to mar- 
kind. While for the space of fifty years, the chiuxh 
had two or three heads at the same time ; and while 
each of the contending popes was anathematizing his 
competitors, tiie reverence of mankind foe the pope- 
dom itself insensibly diminished ; and the labors of 
IT* 



198 GENERAL STATE OF THE CHURCH. [CENT. XIV. 

those, whom God raised up to propagate divine truth, 
began to be more seriously regarded through the 
Christian world. 

In a council held at Lambeth, in the year 1281, it 
was expressly declared that the whole body, and 
blood of Christ was given, at once, under the species 
of bread; and thus the innovation, of denying to the 
laity communion in both kinds, was gradually introdu- 
ced. This was one of the latest, and at the same 
time one of the most absurd corruptions of popery, 
destitute of every ground of argument, either from 
Scripture, or common sense. 

There was some opposition made to the errors of 
popery in this century, both as to doctrine and prac- 
tice. In general, however, the great defect of those 
who withstood the corruptions was this ; while they 
distinctly complained of the fashionable abominations, 
they are very scanty in describing those evangelical 
doctrines, which alone can relieve and sanctify the 
souls of men. 



CHAPTER II. 

DISTINGUISHED CHARACS2RS OF THIS CENTURY. 

THOMAS BRADWARDINE. 

This learned and pious person is supposed to have 
been born about the year 1289. He was of Merton 
College, Oxford, and one of the proctors of that Uni- 
versity in 1325. He excelled in mathematical know- 
ledge, and was in general distinguished for his accu- 
rate and solid investigations in divinity. There was a 
depth in his researches, which entitled him to the 
name of "the Profound." On an occasion of a va- 



CENT. XIV.] BRADWARDINE. 199 

cancy in the see of Canterbury, the monks of that city 
chose hioi archbishop. 

Bradwardioe was consecrated in 1349, but lived to 
fill that high station only a few weeks. 

His great work was u concerning the cause of God 
against Pelagius ;" an admirable performance, whe- 
ther we consider the force of his genius, the solidity of 
his reasoning powers, or the energy of his devotion. 

Bradwardine had observed how very few, in his 
days, appeared to be conscious of their need of the 
holy Spirit to renew and sanctify their natures ; and 
being himself deeply sensible of the desperate wick- 
edness of the human heart, and of the preciousness of 
the grace of Christ, he seems to have overlooked the 
fashionable superstitions, and to have applied the 
whole vigor and vehemence of his spirit to the de- 
fence of gospel truths. 

Observing that a disputatious and sceptical spirit 
resulted from the pride of the heart, he prays ear- 
nestly for a heaven-taught simplicity of mind ; and 
while he takes notice, that God despises the proud, 
he thankfully owns that he visits, illuminates, and 
rejoices the simple. 

He maintains the doctrine of a universal, decisive 
providence, and makes an excellent practical use of 
it. He says, " He, who excludes from his creed, 
the doctrine of divine providence, removes, so far as 
in him lies, the greatest encouragements to pati- 
hope, consolation, and joy. Who will serenely bear 
adversity, if he believe it to proceed from chonce or 
ultimately from an enemy ; and if he do not know, 
that it really proceeds from, and is guided by, the 
unerring directions of the all-wise God, who, by this 
means, purges sins, exercises virtues, and accumu- 
lates rewards ?" * 

Such were the views and feelings of a studious and 
thoughtful scholar of the fourteenth century. Unaid- 
ed by human connexions, and in an age dreary and 



290 WICKLIFF. [CENT. XIV 

unpromising, be lived the life of faith in the Son of 
God. 

JOHN WICKLIFF. 

This renowned Reformer was first heard of at 
Merton College in Oxford, one of the most famous 
seminaries of learning of that age. Even WaMen, 
his enemy, owns that he was astonished at the strength 
of the argumentation, and the copiousness of the an- 
thorities, which he adduced to support his opinions. 

He began to flourish about the year 1371. He 
-preached on the Sabbath against the vices of the fri- 
ars, and the prevailing abuses in religion ; particular- 
ly, against the real presence in the eucha'rist. His 
labors, on the other days of the week, corresponded 
to those on the Lord's day. The schools were then 
in high repute. Aristotelian logic was at its height ; 
and Wickliff made use of the same weapons to oppose 
error, which his adversaries employed to maintain it. 

He openly protested that his principal dfesigii was 
to recover the church from idolatry ; especially, in 
regard to the sacrament of the body and blood of 
Christ. Hence he raised against himself a storm of 
persecution, was removed from his office, and treated 
with cruel injustice. During this season of trial) 
there appeared in Wickliff inconsistencies, that are by 
no means compatible with the character of a great 
reformer. These inconsistencies, however, may be 
palliated, and in part excused 

He was finally delivered from persecution, and 
continued, to the end of his days, in the unremitted 
exercise of zealous pastoral labors. He persever&d 
in attacking the abuses of popery, produced a trans- 
lation of the Bible from the Latin r.io the English 
tongue, and insisted on the right of the common people 
to read the Scriptur ss. The worV of translating the 
Scriptures ; is alone sufficient to render his name im~ 



CENT. XIV. J WICKLIFF. 201 

mortal. The value of it is unspeakable, and the ef- 
fects salutary and lasting. 

Wickliffdied in peace in the year 1387. After his 
death his enemies did their utmost to express their 
malice against him. In the year 1410 his works 
were burnt at Oxford ; and in 1428 his remains were 
dug out of his grave and burnt, and his ashes thrown 
into the river of Lutterworth. The number of his 
volumes, committed to the flames by the archbishop 
of Prague, amounted to. about two hundred. His ] a^ 
bors, indeed, appear to have been immense ; and he 
was., in that dark age, a prodigy of knowledge. 

The distinguishing tenet of Wickliffin religion was, 
undoubtedly, the election of grace. He calls the 
church an assembly of predestinated persons. The 
efficacy of Christ's atonement was also a subject very 
precious to his soul. He exhorted men to trust wholly 
to Christ for salvation, and not to seek to be justified 
in any other way than by him. He said, ts Unbeliev- 
ers, though they may perform works apparently good 
in their matter, still were not to be accounted righ- 
teous men ; that all, who followed Christ, became 
righteous through the participation of his righteous- 
ness, and would be saved." He adds the following 
sentence, " Human nature is wholly at enmity with. 
God. All men are originally sinners. We cannot 
think a good thought, unless Jesus send it. We can- 
not perform a good work, unless it be properly his 
good work. His mercy prevents us, so that we re- 
ceive grace ; and it follows us, so as to help us, and 
keep us in grace. Heal us, good Lord, we have no 
merit ! Give us grace to know that all thy gifts ba 
of thy goodness only." 



cuNTim'S* ±v* 



CHAP. I. 



THE LOLLARDS. 



Terms of reproach have in all ages been applied 
io real Christians. Lollard, the name given more 
particularly to the followers of Wickliff, is one of 
them. 

Courtney, archbishop of Canterbury, employed 
iiimself with grerl vehemence and asperity against 
the Lollards. King Richard II. was also induced to 
patronize this persecution, though it does not appear 
that during his reign &ny of the Lollards were actu- 
ally put to death. The blind fury of these ambitious 
men was restained, partly by the power of the duke 
of Lancaster, and partly by the influence of Ann, the 
consort of Richard II. 

The whole body of the Lollards were, in general, 
so perfectly void of offence in practice, that specula- 
tive errors formed the only charge, that could be 
brought against them ; and even in regard to these 
errors, there seems reason to apprehend, that the 
followers of Wickliff very much meliorated the 
sentiments of their master, and leader. Duly for the 
gospel's sake they suffered, whatever might be the 
pretences of their enemies. 

Richard II. being deposed, Henry of Lancaster 
usurped the throne in the year 1399, and was crown- 
ed by Arundel, archbishop of Canterbury. Henry 
IV. and Arundel commenced a persecution more ter- 
rible than any which had ever been known under the 



English kings. William Sawtre was the first, who 
was buiYit in England^ for opposing the abominations 
©f popery. Glorying in the cross of Christ, and 
strengthened by divine grace, he suffered the flames 
c>f martyrdom b the year of our Lord 1400. 

The conflict now grew serious. Henry published a 
severe statute, by which grievous pains were to be 
ted on all, who should dare to defend, or encour- 
age the tenets of Wickliff This, in conjunction with 
a constitution of Arundel, seemed to threaten the ex- 
tinction of what was called heresy. The persecutors 
were extremely active ; and many, through fear of 
punishment, recanted ; but worthies were still founds 
who continued faithful unto death. 

In the year 1413 Henry V. succeeded to the throne, 
trode in the steps of his predecessor, and countenan- 
ced the cruel and ambitious plans of Arundel. In the 
first year of the new king's reign, this archbishop col- 
lected at London a universal Synod of all the bishops 
and clergy of England. The principal object of the 
assembly was to repress the growing sect; and as Lord 
Cobham had, on all occasions, discovered a partiality 
for the reformers, the resentment of the archbishop, 
and of the whole body of the clergy, was particularly 
levelled against him. No other man in England was, 
at that time, so obnoxious to the ecclesiastics. He 
made no secret of his opinions ; distinguished himself 
for opposing the abuses of popery ; and for collecting, 
transcribing and dispersing the works of Wickliff ; and 
maintained a great number of itinerant preachers in 
various parts of the country. Lord Cobham was a fa- 
vorite both of the king and of the people, and there- 
fore, to effect his destruction, was an undertaking' 
that required much caution. The archbishop, was, 
however, in earnest ; and by cruelty, injustice, false- 
hood, and deceit, finally effected his ruin. He was. 
at length, arrested by the king's express orders, and 
lodged iii the tower of London* Ou the day appoint- 



204 



LGLALRDS. 



[cent, xy> 



ed for his examination, he was brought before the 
court, and endured an ignominious trial, with great 
fortitude ; boldly defended the truth, and in the issue, 
was condemned as an heretic, and sent back to the 
tower. Having remained there some weeks, he at 
length, by unknown means, made his escape, took the 
advantage of a dark night, evaded pursuit, and arri- 
ved safe in Wales, at which place he remained con- 
cealed more than four years. 

The trial of lordCobham, though in many points of 
view a gloomy tale, affords a remarkable and very 
satisfactory evidence of the faith of the gospel exem- 
plified in practice. This examplary man appears to 
have possessed the humility of a Christian, as well as 
the spirit and courage of a soldier. He protested 
against the idolatry of the times, and also made such 
penitential declarations, and affecting acknowledge- 
ment%of having broken God's commandments, as im- 
ply salutary self-knowledge, self-abasement, strong 
convictions of sin, and a firm reliance on the mercy of 
God through the mediation of Jesus Christ. The 
dignity of his manner, the vehemence of his expres- 
sions, and the quickness and pertinence of his answers, 
were so strikingly obvious, as to fill the court with 
astonishment. 

The clergy were not a little mortified to find that 
this grand heretic and destined victim had escaped out 
of their hands. However, a very remarkable trans- 
action at length afforded them every advantage they 
could wish, to gratify their resentment against this 
noble chief of the Lollards. These peaceable, and 
truly Christian subjects had been accustomed to as- 
s nnble in companies for the purpose of devotion ; but 
the bishops represented their meetings as of a sedi- 
tious tendency, and obtained a royal proclamation for 
suppressing these conventicles. 

The royal proclamation, however, did not put an 
end to the assemblies of the Lollards. Like the pri- 



CENT. XV. ) LOLLARDS. 205 

mitive Christians, they met in smaller companies, 
more privately, and often in the dead of night. St, 
Giles's field, then a thicket, was a place of frequent 
resort on these occasions. And here a numher of 
them assembled on the eve of January 6th, 1414. 
The king received intelligence, that Lord Cobham. at 
the head of 20,000 of his party, was stationed in St. 
Giles's field for the purpose of seizing the person of 
the king, putting their persecutors to the sword, and 
making himself regent of the realm. 

The king suddenly armed the few soldiers he could 
muster, put himself at their head, marched to the 
place where the Lollards were assembled, killed 
twenty, and took sixty prisoners. 

The king now became thoroughly exasperated 
against the Lollards, and particularly against Lord 
Cobham. A bill of attainder, against that unfortunate 
nobleman, passed the commons ; the king set a price 
of a thousand marks upon his head, and promised a 
perpetual exemption from taxes to any town that 
should secure him. 

Ill the latter end of 1417, this persecuted Chris- 
tian was apprehended, and brought to London. x His 
fate was soon determined. He was dragged into St. 
Giles's field with all the insult and barbarity of enra- 
ged superstition ; and there, both as a traitor and a 
heretic, he was suspended alive in chains, and burnt 
to death. 

This excellent man, by a slight degree of dissimu- 
lation, might have softened his adversaries, and es- 
caped a troublesome persecution, and a cruel death. 
But sincerity is essential to a true servant of Jesus 
Christ ; and Lord Cobham died, as he had lived, in 
the faith and hope of the gospel, bearing to the end a 
noble testimony to the genuineness of its doctrines ; and 
choosing, rather, to suffer afflict ion with the people of 
God, than to enjoy the pleasures o. sin for a season. 
18 



& 



206 LOLLARDS. [CENT. XT. 

Henry Cliickeley, at this time archbishop of Canter- 
bury, was an instigator of the greatest wickedness; 
and deserves to be called the firebrand of the age in 
which he lived. To subserve the purposes of his" own 
pride and tyranny, he engaged king Henry in his famous 
contest with France ; by which means a prodigious 
carnage was made of the human race, and the most 
dreadful miseries were brought upon botli kingdoms. 
While this scene was carrying on in France, the arch- 
bishop, at home, partly by exile, partly by forced ab- 
jurations, and partly by the flames, domineered over 
the Lollards, and almost effaced the vestiges of godli- 
ness from the kingdom. 

In the year 1422, Henry V. died in the midst of 
these tragedies. But the persecution was continued 
during the minority of Henry VI. ; and it may be suf- 
ficient to- remark, that all who were convicted of what 
was then called heresy, were first condemned as here- 
tics, then delivered to the secular arm, and lastly- 
burnt to ashes without mercy and without exception. 

Such were the sanguinary methods, by which the 
prelates of England attempted to extirpate the Lol- 
lards. And they so far succeeded, that the few dis- 
ciples of Wick I iff, who still remained alive, seem to 
have been finally confounded .with the favorers of the 
Great Reformation. The burning of heretics, how- 
ever, was not the way to extinguish heresy. On the 
contrary, both in England, and on the continent, such 
destestable cruelties increased the compassion of the 
people for the sufferers, excited their indignation 
against the persecutors, and roused a spirit of opposi- 
tion to the existing hierarchy, which at length proved 
fatal both to papal corruption of sound doctrine, and * 
to papal usurpation of dominion. 

When we are wearied and astonished with the con- 
templation of the barbarous and bloody scenes of this 
century, one of the most profitable, and most certain* 
conclusions, we can arrive at, is, that the human heai t 
is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked 

* 



CHAPTER II. 



THE COUNCIL OF CONSTANCE INCLUDING THE CASES 
OF JOHN HUSS AND JEROME OF PRAGUE. 

This celebrated council made no essential reforma- 
tion in religion ; on the contrary they persecuted men 
who truly feared God ; and they tolerated all the pre- 
dominant corruptions. Their labors, therefore, do 
not deserve to be recorded, on account of the piety 
and virtue of those who composed the council. Yet 
the transactions at Constance, claim considerable at- 
tention in these memoirs. They tend to throw a light 
on the state of religion, at that time ; to illustrate the 
character of John Huss, and of Jerome ; and afford 
instructive reflections to those, who love to attend to 
the dispensations of divine Providence. 

The council met in the year 1414 ; but was not dis- 
solved till 1418. Its objects were various, and of 
high importance. The necessity of the times had 
called aloud for an assembly of this kind. Ecclesias- 
tical corruptions had increased to an intolerable mag- 
nitude ; and Christendom had been distracted nearly 
forty years by a schism in the popedom. To settle 
this dispute, and restore peace to the church were 
the most urgent concerns of this council. Three pre- 
tenders to the chair of St. Peter, severally laid claim 
to infallibility. The very nature of their struggle 
was subversive of the authority to which each of them 
made pretensions ; and of their vain contests, there 
seemed no end. However, they deposed the three 
existing popes, and choose a fresh successor of St. 
Peter. 

The venerable name of Reformers cannot be given 
to that assembly. That there needed to be a refor- 
mation in the church, and that church discipline ought 
to be attended to, they readily granted. But they 



208 COUNCIL OF CONSTANCE. [CENT. XW 

brought not to the council materials, which could 
alone qualify them for such a work. In general, the 
best individuals among them were merely moralists ; 
they had some "zeal for God, but not according to 
knowledge ';" and knew no higher principles than the 
voice of natural conscience, and the dictates of com- 
mon sense. The original depravity of man, salvation 
through the atonement of a Redeemer, and regenera- 
tion by the Holy Spirit, were doctrines, the use and 
efficacy of which, they did not understand. Several 
little punctilios were reformed, but all the substan- 
tial evils, still remained in the church. 

The countries represented by deputies at this 
council were Italy, France, Germany, Bohemia, Hun- 
gary, Poland, England, Denmark, and Sweden. All 
the dignified characters there assembled, had not suf- 
ficient spirit and integrity to punish crimes of the most 
atrocious nature ; yet they could burn without mercy, 
those whom they deemed heretical, though men of 
real godliness. 

After, this short review, it may be proper to be a 
little more particular in regard to the proceedings of 
this council. 

At the opening of the council, Pope JohnXXIIF., 
and the emperor Sigismund were at the head of it ; 
and continually endeavored to baffle the designs of 
each other. The former was, by far, the most pow- 
erful of the three popes, who, at that time, struggled 
for the chair of St. Peter; but his character was in- 
famous in the extreme. Sigismund was remarkable 
for hypocrisy and dissimulation. Political artifices, 
however, were multiplied by both these potentates., 
and by many others connected with the council. 

John Huss was summoned to the council to answer 
for himself, although previously excommunicated at 
Rome. He obtained, however, a sate conduct from 
the emperor, who committed him to the care of seve- 
i-al Bohemian Lords. 



H^T. X COUNCIL OP CONSTANCE. 209 

John Huss was born in Bohemia in 1373, was of 
mean parentage, but was raised to eminence by his 
superior genius and industry. He was appointed rec- 
tor of the University of Prague, and nominated preach- 
er of Bethlehem in the year 1400. 

The doctrinal knowledge of the Bohemian Reform* 
er was always very defective ; but the little funda- 
mental light which, through grace he obtained, was 
directed to the best practical purposes. He preach- 
ed boldly against the Romish church; and in a Synod 
at Prague "he, with amazing freedom, protested 
against the vices of the clergy. 

A man, who had rendered himself so obnoxious to 
the hierarchy, could not escape the aspersions of ca- 
lumny. Accordingly, we find that in the year 1408, 
a clamor was raised against him ; his troubles became 
serious ; and he was soon excommunicated at Rome. 

Being summoned, as we have seen, at Constance, 
he obeyed; and though his mind strongly foreboded 
that which happened in the issue, his resolution to ap- 
pear at the general council was constant, andunmo\ed. 

Soon after his arrival at Constance, he was depri* 
ved of his liberty, and summoned to appear before 
John XXIII. " I had expected, 1 ' said Huss, " to 
give aa^account of myself before the general council, 
and not before the Pope and his cardii als : however, 
I am willing to lay down my life rather than betray 
the truth." He sat out without deiay. and on his ar- 
rival at the pope's palace was commit ted to prison; 
The pope appointed commissioners to try him; and 
the vexatious insults, to which he was exposed, were 
endless. With great clearness, he vindicated him- 
self against the charge of heresy ; but his holy life 
was 'unpardonable in the eyes of his enemies. The 
crooked aits of intrigue were tap powerful for the 
sincerity aod open dealings of Huss ; and he soon 
found, that to commit his cause to him tLat judgeth 
righteously, was his only expedient. 
18* 



210 COUNCIL OF CONSTANCE, [CENT. XV. 

In the year 1415 the commissioners, for examining 
Huss, found themselves impeded by the emperor's 
grant of safe conduct ; and scrupled not to entreat that 
prince to violate his most solemn engagements. The 
perfidious emperor finally complied with their re- 
quest, and refused any longer to protect this monu- 
ment of suffering innocence. 

The Bohemian nobility, enraged at the perfidy of 
Sigismund, repeatedly remonstrated against his pro- 
ceedings but all to no purpose. At the solicitation 
of Paletz, Huss was confined in a Dominican convent, 
where he became dangerously sick, through the bad 
air, and other inconveniences of a noisome dungeon. 

While the members of this council agreed in per- 
secuting the church of God, and detained in prison the 
excellent John Huss, they were involved in extreme 
difficulties, and scarcely knew how to support that 
system of idolatry, and secular formality of religion to 
which they were attached. They were even divided 
among themselves ; and the imperial, and papal party 
contended with the bitterest acrimony. 

While these parties were thus at variance, the 
commissioners endeavored to oblige John Huss to re- 
tract, but in vain. Though infirm and harrassed with 
a variety of vexations he continued to maintain the 
character of a Christian hero. 

It was a remarkable instance of the conduct of di- 
vine Providence, that John XXIII. himself the un- 
righteous persecutor of Huss, was brought as a pri- 
soner to the castle of Gottleben, and lodged in the 
same place with the victim of his cruelty. 

This unrighteous prelate was, at length, solemnly 
deposed, and rendered incapable of being re-elected. 
The same sentence was issued against the other two 
popes. The conduct of these three men, particularly 
the first, had been so infamous, that all the world ap- 
plauded the determinations of the council respecting 
them. In general the members of this assembly were 



CENT. XV. ]♦ COUNCIL OF CONSTANCE* 211 

influenced by superstitious, selfish, worldly motives ; 
but this decision is among the very few important in- 
stances, in which they merit commendation. 

While the Bohemian Reformer, contrary to every 
principle of justice, honor, and humanity, was still de- 
tained in confinement ; there was exhibited, at this 
council, another striking example of persecution. 

Jerome of Prague, the next object of their cruelty, 
now excites attention. He had neither a clerical, 
nor a monastic character. He was a man of superior 
talents, adhered to John Huss, and vigorously second- 
ed all his endeavors to promote a reformation. 

When Huss set out for Constance, Jerome exhorted 
him to maintain, with steadfastness, the doctrines, 
which he had preached ; and promised, that he would 
himself go to Constance, to support him, should he 
hear that he was oppressed. Huss, in one of his let- 
ters, expressly desired a friend to prevent Jerome^ 
performance of this promise, lest he should meet with 
the same treatment which he himself had experien- 
ced. But Jerome had the generosity to disregard 
the entreaties of Huss, and came directly to Con- 
stance, to vindicate the cause of his friend. Finding it 
impossible to be of any service to Huss, he resolved te 
return to his own country. But on his way home, he 
was arrested at Hirsawand led in chains to Constance. 

He was immediately brought before a general 
council, which seems to have assembled for the ex- 
press purpose of insulting, ensnaring, and browbeat- 
ing their virtuous prisoner. No opportunity was al- 
lowed, either for explanation or defence ; all was con- 
fusion and uproar ; voices burst from every quarter. 
u Away, with him, away with him;" u to the fire, to 
the fire," was the continual outcry. 

Jerome stood astonished at the indecency of the 
scene ; and as soon as he could in any degree be heard, 
he looked round upon the assembly with a steady and 
most significant countenance, and cried aloud, u Since 



212 COUNCIL OF CONSTANCE. *[CENT. XV 

nothing but my blood will satisfy you, I am resigned 
to the will of God." 

After this tumultuous examination, Jerome was 
conveyed to St. Paul's church, bound to a post, and 
his hands chained to his neck. In this posture he re- 
mained ten days, and was fed with bread and water. 
His friends, all this time, knew not what was become 
of him, till at length, one of them received notice 
from the keeper of the prison, and procured him bet- 
ter nourishment. But notwithstanding this, the vari- 
ous hardships, to which he had been exposed, brought 
upon him a dangerous illness ; and although he ob- 
tained some small mitigation of his "sufferings, from 
bonds and other cruel treatment, he remained a pri- 
soner till his death. 

The council next proceeded to read the doctrines 
of Wickliff, and as far as appears, they were repro- 
bated without a dissenting voice. 

During the same year, 1415, another object of con- 
troversy was started in the council, which was after- 
ward attended with important consequences, and 
produced one of the usual subjects of contention be- 
tween Papists and Protestants. This was the doc- 
trine of the communion in both kinds Pious men 
were raised up, who learned, that withholding the 
cup from the laity was not only erroneous, but contra- 
ry to the express command of Christ. The principal 
author, or to speak more properly, the principal re- 
viver of this practical truth in the church of Christ, 
was Jocebad, who seems to have been a zealous, ac- 
tive, and laborious minister of Christ. 

The appearance of the new controversy, added to 
the question concerning Jerome of Prague, increased 
the fury of the storm against Huss ; and his enemies 
labored day and night for his destruction. His health 
and strength were decayed by the rigor of confine- 
ment. The great men of Bohemia, insisted that jus- 
tice should be done to their countrymen ; but justice 



GENT. XV;] COUNCIL OP CONSTANCE. 21 S 

was a stranger at Constance. The emperor had per- 
fidiously given up this faithful servant of God to the 
malice of his enemies ; and the council, as if conscious 
of the difficulty of condemning him openly, had re- 
course to the despicable means of attempting, by re- 
peated insults and vexations, to shake his constancy, 
and render a public trial unnecessary. 

The approbation of a good conscience, and the com- 
forting presence of the spirit of God, appear to have 
supported this holy man in all his sufferings. He gave 
his adversaries no advantage over him, either through 
warmth or timidity ; refused to give answers in pri- 
vate, and reserved himself to a public trial ; retract- 
ed nothing of what he had openly preached, and pos- 
sessed his soul in patience, and resignation. 

The unrighteous views of the council being thug 
far baffled, he was conducted to Constance, lodged in 
a monastery, and loaded with chains. Having under- 
gone a tedious and malignant trial at Constance, he 
was remanded to prison ; and from the obstinate rage 
of his enemies, justly concluded that his end was near. 

This holy personage redeemed the little time 
which was allowed him, by writing letters, which, 
were publicly read at Bethlehem, the once delight* 
ful scene of his ministry. 

At length he received another solemn deputation, 
in which were two cardinals and some prelates, who 
tried their utmost to induce him to recant. Huss, 
however, persisted in his integrity, and announced his 
resolution in terms of great vehemence and solemnity. 

Huss was once more brought before the council, 
and there in the presence of the emperor, the prin- 
ces of the empire, and a vast concourse of people, 
continued to maintain his integrity, and committed his 
cause to him that judgeth righteously. 

Sentence was finally pronounced against him, and 
he was ordered to be degraded. After various insults, 
they stripped him of all his vestments, uttered a curse 



214 COUNCIL OP CONSTANCE. [6ENT. XT. 

on stripping him of each. Having completed his degra- 
dation by the addition of some other ridiculous insults, 
they put a paper coronet on his head, on which they 
had painted three devils, with this inscription u Arch- 
heretic ;" and said, a We devote thy soul to the in- 
fernal devils." " I am glad," said the martyr, " U 
wear a crown of ignominy, for the love of him whe 
Wore a crown of thorns." 

Sigismund committed the execution of Huss to the 
elector of Palatine. The martyr, walking amidst 
his guards, declared his innocence to the people. Whea 
he came near the place of execution, he kneeled dowa 
and prayed with great fervency ; and then affirmed, 
that he was glad to seal, what he had written and 
taught, w r ith his blood. His neck was fastened to the 
stake, the wood piled about him, the fire kindled, and 
he was soon suffocated, having called on God as long 
as he could speak. 

A Roman Catholic historian, speaking of John Huss 
and Jerome of Prague says, u They went to the stake 
as to a banquet ; not a word fell from them, which 
discovered the least timidity ; they sung hymns in the 
flames to the last gasp without ceasing." 

Thus by a death, which has affixed eternal infamy, 
on the council of Constance, slept in Jesus the cele* 
brated John Huss. Human depravity has not often 
produced a scene so completely iniquitous, and so much 
calculated to bring disgrace on the Roman church. 

The abilities, and acquirements of John Huss, seem 
to have been above mediocrity ; his natural temper 
was mild, and condescending ; and the events of his 
life prove him to have possessed exquisite tenderness 
of conscience, fervent piety, and almost unexampled 
fortitude. 

There w r as something peculiar in the case of John 
Huss. He may justly be said to have been a martyr 
to holy practice. He seems not to have held any one 
doctrine which, at that time, was called heretical.— 



GENT. XV. J COUNCIL ©F CdNSTANOE* 215 

The world hated him, because he was not of the world, 
and because he testified of it that its deeds were evil. 

The council, with Sigismund at their head, preserv- 
ed the most, solemn forms of religion, although their 
conduct continued to appear detestable ; void of meek- 
ness, justice, and humanity. In the mean time, Jerome 
was repeatedly examined, and continued to sustain the 
rigor of his confinement with patience and constancy. 

Toward the iaue- end of the year 1415 a letteF 
was sent to the council from the noblemen of Bohemia, 
in which they, in a very decided and feeling manner, 
reproved the council for putting to death John Huss 5 
and for retaining in prison Jerome of Prague. 

The council, startled at the expostulations of the Be* 
hemian noblemen yet being still determined to main- 
tain their own unjust authority, at length, partly by 
promises and partly by threat enings, induced Jerome of 
Prague to retract his sentiments. Jerome's retrac- 
tion was, at first, equivocal, afterward explicit and 
circumstantial. He anathematized the articles both 
of Wickliff and of Huss ; declared that he believed 
every thing that the council believed ; and even ad- 
ded, that if in future, any doctrine should escape him 
contrary to bis recantation, he would submit to ever- 
lasting punishment ! Thus was disgraced before all 
the world, and humbled in his own eyes, a man of 
most excellent morals, of superior endowments, and 
of great learning and fortitude. 

Jerome, notwithstanding his retractions, was re- 
manded to prison ; where he found, however, that he 
was allowed a little more liberty than before. 

There were persons, who, not being satisfied with 
his retractions, insisted on his being tried a second 
iinie ; and the council actually proceeded to examine 
him again. 

Then it was, that this great man, whom a long se- 
ries of affliction, and cruel persecution, and above al 
the consciousness of his late prevarication had brought 



216 cttrftciL op corstan.ce. [ceist. xv. 

into the lowest distress, began to exhibit that strength 
of mind, that force of genius, that power of elo- 
quence, and that integrity and fortitude, which will be 
the admiration of all ages, After .he had acted 
against his conscience, he retired from the council with 
a heav T y heart. His chains had been taken from him, 
but his load was transferred from his body to his mind ; 
and the caresses, of those about him, served only to 
mock his sorrow. The anguish produced by his owa 
reflections, rendered his prison a more gloomy soli- 
tude, than he had ever before found it. Jerome how- 
ever, was not an apostate ; and the God whom he 
served, had compassion on the infirmities of his nature, 
and did not desert him in his humiliation. No, he 
made his latter end to be blessed and glorious. 

At the examination, this Christian hero being de- 
nied the liberty of defence, exclaimed, u How un- 
just is it, that ye will not hear me ! Ye have confined 
me three hundred and forty days in several prisons, 
where I have been cramped with irons, almost poison- 
ed with dirt and stench, and pinched with the want of 
all necessaries. During this time, you always gave to 
my enemies a hearing ; but refused to hear me so much 
as a single hour. I wonder not, that since ye have in- 
dulged them with so long and so favorable an audience, 
they should have had the address to persuade you, that 
-I am an heretic, an enemy to the faith, a persecutor, 
and a villain. Thus prejudiced, ye have judged me 
unheard ; and ye still refuse to hear me. Remember, 
however, that ye are but men ; and as such, ye are fal- 
lible, and may suffer others to impose upon you. It 
is said, that all learning and all wisdom are collected 
in this council. The more then, does it behove you 
to take heed, that ye act not rashly, lest ye should be 
found to act unjustly. I know, that it is the design of 
this council to pass sentence of death on me. But 
w r hen all is done, I am an object of small importance, 
who must see death sooner or later. Therefore what 



I 



CENT. XV.] COUNCIL OP CONSTANCE. 217 

I say is more for your sakes, than my own." The 
council were so far moved by his reasonings, that they 
resolved, after he had answered to the articles, to 
grant him liberty of speech. All the articles were 
read to him one after anther, and his answers were 
delivered with an acuteness and dexterity, which 
astonished the court. When he was upbraided with 
the grossest calumnies, he stood up, with extended 
hands, and in a sorrowful tone cried out, " Which way, 
fathers, shall I turn ? whom shall I call upon for help ; 
or to bear witness to my innocence ? Shall I make 
my address to you ? But my persecutors have en- 
tirely alienated your minds from me by saying, that 
lam myself a persecutor of my judges. If ye give 
them credit, I have nothing to hope for." 

Jerome having gained liberty of speech, though 
with much difficulty and opposition, determined to 
avail himself of the opportunity. He began with in- 
voking the grace of God so to govern his heart and 
lips, that he might advance nothing, but what should 
conduce to the salvation of his soul. He gave so pro- 
bable an account of the reasons of the malice of his 
enemies, that for some moments, he seemed to have 
convinced his judges. He extolled John Huss, vindi- 
cated the innocence of that holy martyr, and declared, 
that he was ready to suffer after his example. "He 
then offered the reasons of his coming to Constance, 
and confessed his cowardice. "I confess," said he, 
u and tremble, while I think of it, that through fear 
of punishment by fire, I basely consented, against my 
conscience, to the condemnation of the doctrines of 
Wickliff and Huss." He then declared, that he dis- 
owned his recantation, as the greatest crime of which 
he had ever been guilty ; and that he was determined 
to his last breath to adhere to the principles of those 
two men, which were as sound and pure, as their 
lives were holy and blameless. Having concluded 
his speech, he was carried back to prison, and there 
' 19 



218 



COUNCIL OF CONSTANCE. [CENT. Xt* 



visited by several persons, who hoped to reclaim him ; 
but in vain. 

On the following month, he was again brought be- 
fore the council, and there again affirmed, that he had 
done nothing in his whole life, of which he so bitterly 
repented, as his recantation^ that he revoked it from 
his very sou! ; that he had been guilty of the meanest 
falsehood by making that recantation ; and that he es- 
teemed John Huss an holy man. 

The firmness, eloquence, and zeal of Jerome, sen- 
sibly affected the council. They proposed to him 
once more to retract. But he replied: " Ye have 
determined to condemn me unjustly ; but after my 
death, I shall leave a sting in your consciences, and 
a worm that shall never die. I appeal to the Sove- 
reign Judge of all the earth, in whose presence you 
must appear to answer me." After sentence had 
been pronounced against him, he was delivered to the 
secular power, and treated with scorn and insult, si- 
milar to that which his friend Huss had experienced. 
He put the mitre, with his own hands, on his head, 
saying that he was glad to wear it for the sake of him 
who w r as crowned with one of thorns. As he went to 
execution, he sung with a loud voice, and a cheerful 
countenance. He kneeled down at the stake, and 
prayed. Being then bound, he raised his voice, and 
sung a paschal hymn. 

Hail ! happy day, and ever be adored, 

When heli was conquered by great heaven's Lord. 

The wood was then set on fire ; and the martyr 
continued alive in the flames a quarter of an hour. 
There is the most unanimous testimony given, by all 
writers, to the heroic courage and fortitude, with 
which he sustained the torment. 

Paggius, a celebrated Florentine, who was present 
at these scenes, has left the most unequivocal testimo- 
ny to the abilities, fortitude and eloquence of Jerome. 



CENT. XV.] COUNCIL OF CONSTANCE. 219 

" I confess," says he, u I never knew the art of 
speaking carried so near the model of ancient elo- 
quence. It was amazing to hear with what force of 
expression, fluency of language, and excellent reason- 
ing, he answered his adversaries ; nor was I less 
struck with the gracefulness of his manner, the digni- 
ty of his action, and the firmness and constancy of his 
whole behaviour. Nothing escaped him. His whole 
appearance was truly great and pious." 

Among other valuable purposes, to which the coun* 
cil of Constance was rendered subservient, this was 
not of the least importance ; that the iniquity of the 
ecclesiastical system, then prevalent in Europe, was 
demonstrated before all the world. 

In the year 1417, a sermon was preached in full 
council, which describes the abuses of the church in. 
the strongest terms. The preacher, having mention- 
ed the various enormities to w r hich the clergy were 
addicted, cried, "Abomination appears within these 
walls ; nor are we without instances both of the most 
scandalous passions, and the basest actions." 

During the year 141 7 the followers of Huss contra- 
ry to the genius of Christianity, began to exert them- 
selves against the hierarchy ; and proceeded to such 
lengths as to produce scenes perfectly tragical. But 
they could not succeed, because they attempted to 
cleanse the outside of the cup and platter, before they 
had cleansed that which was witbm. 

Toward the close of the same year, the council 
proceeded to elect a new pope, and the choice fell 
upon Otho De Colonna, w r ho assumed the name of 
Martin V. On the day succeeding the pope's corona- 
tion, all the nations, represented by the council, con- 
curred in a resolution to demand of the new pope a re- 
formation in the church. He made fair promises, but 
nothing that deserved the name of reformation was 
effected. 

The new pontiff partook of the unrelenting cruelty 
of his predecessors, and commenced a sanguinary per- 



220 



■ ; 

THE HUSSITES. 



[CENT. XV. 



secution against the Hussites. These were divided 
into two kinds, the Calixtines, who differeel from the 
church of Rome only concerning the communion ; and 
the.Taborites who are thought to have much resem- 
bled the Waldenses. 

This celebrated council, which began to sit in the 
year 1414, having finished their iniquitous operations, 
was dissolved in the year 1418. A great effort was 
made by the united wisdom of Europe to effect a re- 
formation ; but in vain. This reformation God, at 
length, produced ; but in such a manner as to illus- 
trate the divine declaration, namely, Salvation is 
"not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith 
the Lord of hosts." 



CHAPTER III. 

THE HUSSITES, TILL THE BEGINNING OF THE REFOR- 
MATION. 



The Bohemians heard of the murder of John Huss 
and Jerome of Prague, with the utmost indignation. 
To this cause historians ascribe the commencement 
of the Hussite war, which was carried on by the en- 
raged Bohemians for thirteen years. 

This war was distinguished with almost incredible 
victories over the emperor, and with unhuman cruel- 
ties on both sides. After an effusion of a deluge of 
blood, a treaty of peace was concluded in the year 
1433. But the real Hussites were, as much as ever, 
exposed to the persecution of the church of Rome ; 
and were not only abandoned, but cruelly treated by 
their brethren. Those of them, who had been in- 
clined to have recourse to the sword, were gradually 
convinced that patient faith and perseverance in prayer 
are the proper arms of a Christian soldier. 



r-ENT. XV. J THE HUSSITES, 221 

In the mean time the council of Basil succeeded 
that of Constance, and was conducted on a plan of si- 
milar intrigue and ambition. Among its other objects, 
the reduction of Bohemia to the papal system was 
not forgotten. 

About the year 1453, a number of Hussites repair- 
ed to Lititz, and there held a conference, in which 
the plan of the Hussite church, or that of the united 
brethren, was formed ; idolatrous rites were prohi- 
bited, and a strictness of discipline, resembling that of 
the primitive church, was instituted. Among other 
resolves, they determined to make use of no carnal 
weapons, for the defence of their religion. 

They were soon called to the exercise of that pas- 
sive courage, which they professed. The increase 
of their congregations in Bohemia and Moravia, was 
beheld with suspicion. Even Gregory, the king of 
Bohemia, who had hitherto protected them, now con- 
sented to vent his malice against them, by the rigor of 
persecution. 

The constancy with which they endured persecu- 
tion, manifested, that they had not received the grace 
of God in vain. They were now declared unworthy 
of the common rights of subjects ; and in the depth of 
winter, were driven out of the cities and villages 
with the forfeiture of all their effects. The sick 
were thrown into the open fields, where many perish- 
ed with cold and hunger. Various sorts of torture 
were inflicted on the. brethren ; numbers were bar- 
- barously murdered ; and many died in prison. 

In the year 14S0, they received a great increase of 
their numbers from the accession of the Waldensian 
refugees, who escaped out of Austria, where the ve- 
hemence of persecution no longer allowed this people 
to live in security. A union was easily formed between 
the Waldenses and the Hussites, on account of the 
similarity of their sentiments and manners. The re- 
fugees, however, found their situation but little meli* 
19* 



-222 REVIEW OP THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY. [CENT.XV. 

orated, by a junction with a people, who were obliged 
to conceal themselves in thickets, and in clefts of the 
rocks ; and who, to escape detection by the smoke, 
made no fires except in the night. What they mu&t 
have suffered in these circumstances, may be easily 
conceived. 
• In 1481, the Hussites were banished from Mora- 
via ; but returned after six years ; and at the begin- 
ning of the sixteenth century, there were two hundred 
congregations of them in Bohemia and Moravia. 



CHAPTER IV. 

A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY. 

The most remarkable events, which distinguish 
this period of general history, appear to have been 
directed by divine Providence, with particular subser- 
viency to the Reformation. 

There cannot be a more melancholy contemplation, 
than to observe the infatuation of nations, who have 
provoked God to forsake them. Though the voice of 
God is addressed to their senses, they consider not 
the works of the Lord, and at the same time, seem to 
be as destitute of political sagacity, as they are of 
religious principles. The fifteenth century affords an 
awful instance of these things. The Turks oppressed 
Europe with persevering cruelty ; but Europe nei- 
ther humbled herself before God, nor took any mea- 
sures to check the ambition of the Mahometans. The 
Sovereign of the universe, however, was bringing 
order out of confusion, and light out of darkness. By 
a surprising concurrence of circumstances, the noble 
art of printing was invented about the year 1440. 
Learning was cultivated with incredible ardor ; the 
family of the Medici was raised up to patronize sci- 



CENT. XV.] REVIEW OF THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY. 223 

ence; and toward the end of the same century, Eras- 
mus appeared, whose good sense, taste and industry, 
were uncommonly serviceable to the Reformation. 

Thus under the care of Providence, materials were 
collected for that beautiful edifice, which began to be 
erected in the next century. 

In the meantime there were some individuals, who, 
though not connected with any particular Christian 
societies, evinced the power of godliness. A number 
of these followers of Jesus, enlightened from above, 
and faithful to the service of God, were executed in 
Germany, not long after the burning of John Huss. 

There were also some souls, who in secret, served 
God in the gospel of his Son ; and who knew what 
spirituality in religion meant ; though from some par- 
ticular circumstances, they were never exposed to 
suffer for righteousness' sake. 

Vincent Ferrer was one of this description. Though 
bred in the midst of darkness, and connected w r ith the 
worst of ecclesiastical characters, he was a shining 
model of piety. Bishoprics and a cardinal's hat were 
offered him ; but his heart was insensible to the 
charms of worldly honor and dignity. He very ear- 
nestly wished to become an apostolic missionary ; and 
in this respect, he was, at length, gratified by Bene- 
dict. At the age of forty, he commenced his mission- 
ary tour. Having labored with success in Spain, 
France, and Italy ; he then, at the desire of Henry 
IV. king of England, exerted himself in the same 
manner throughout the chief towns of England, Sa^* 
land, and Ireland. aS lg manifest in part 

f Z Tft - ' 2$ Wch has been given of him, 
l^^FpWtipularly from his own confession. « My 
whole life is a sink of iniquity ; I am all infection. I 
am corrupted throughout, I feel this to be so, more 

and morec" 



TUH.T sirs 



CHAP, I. 



*vTH£ REFORMATION UNDER THE CONDUCT OF LUTHEB- 



PRELIMINARIES. 



The sixteenth century opened with a prospect the 
most gloomy. Corruption, both in doctrine and in 
practice, had exceeded all bounds; and the general 
face of Europe, though the name of Christ was every 
where professed, presented nothing that was properly 
evangelical. Great efforts indeed had been made to 
emancipate the church from the " powers of dark- 
ness ;" and in consequence, many individual souls had 
been conducted into the path of salvation. Still no- 
thing like a general reformation had taken place in 
any part of Europe. 

But not many years after the commencement of this 
century, the world beheld an attempt to restore the 
light of the gospel, more evangelically -judicious, 
^ore simply founded on the word of God, and more 
had been seen gflfiS?ssfully conducted, than any which 
Luther, whom Providenc^lfilu L Au f usti !! e ' Martin 
pose, was the instrument, rather than^ffie tt^i 
this Reformation. He was led on from step to step 
by a series of circumstances, far beyond his original 
intentions ; in a manner which evinces the excellency 
of the power to be of God, and not of man, 



CEJfftf. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 225 

The popish doctrine of indulgences was then in the 
highest reputation. The foundation of this doctrine 
is generally believed to be this : There was suppo- 
sed to be an infinite treasure of merit in Christ and 
the saints, abundantly more than sufficient for them- 
selves. This treasure, as they supposed, was deposi- 
ted in the church, under the conduct of the see of 
Rome, and literally sold for money, to those who were 
able and willing to pay for it. Those, who did not 
purchase the remission of their sins by money, might 
obtain forgiveness by undergoing a course of severe 
penance. 

u Pope Leo X. making use of that power, which 
his predecessors had usurped over ail Christian 
churches, sent abroad, into all kingdoms, his letters 
and bulls, with ample promises of the full pardon of 
sins, and of eternal salvation to such as would purchase 
the same with money. " The system itself was wholly 
impious ; and the right knowledge of justification was 
the only remedy adequate to the evil. This, there- 
fore, was the capital object of the Reformation. 

The person wham God raised up, at this time, to 
instruct an ignorant world, and to lead bewildered 
souls out of the labyrinth of superstition, was remark- 
ably eminent for self-knowledge; Luther knew him- 
self; and he knew also the Scriptural grounds on 
which he stood, in his controversies with ecclesiastical 
rulers. His zeal was disinterested, and his courage 
undaunted. Accordingly, when he had once erected 
the standard of truth, he continued to uphold it with 
an unconquerable intrepidity, which merits the gratis 
tude and esteem of all succeeding ages, 



\ V, 



CHAPTER H. 



YHE BEGINNING OF THE CONTROVERSY, CONCERNING 
INDULGENCES, TILL THE CONCLUSION OF THE CON* 
FERENCE BETWEEN LUTHER AND CAJETAN. 



Leo X. succeeded to the popedom in the year 
1513. He was famous for the encouragement of the 
fine arts ; and is deservedly celebrated among the 
patrons of learning. But historical veracity can scarce- 
ly admit any farther encomium on his character. Ex- 
cessive magnificence, a voluptuous indolence, and 
abo^e all, a total want of religious principle, render- 
ed him, perhaps, more strikingly void of every sacer- 
dotal qualification, titan any of the preceding Pon- 
tiffs. 

The ecclesiastical system was so corrupt, that com- 
mon sense, and the voice of natural conscience agreed 
in the necessity of a reformation. In the year 1517 
the spirit of Martin Luther was raised up to instruct 
the ignorant, to rouse the negligent, and to oppose the 
scandalous practices of ecclesiastical rulers. No re- 
former had ever an opportunity more favourable to 
his designs. Lr-o, having reduced himself to straits 
by his prodigal expenses, and washing to complete the 
erection of St. Peter's church, had recourse to the 
sale of indulgences. This business was delegated to 
John Tetzel, a Dominican inquisitor. u This front- 
less monk," says a celebrated historian, u executed 
his commission, not only with matchless insolence, in- 
decency, and fraud, but even carried his impiety so 
far, as to derogate from the all sufficient power and 
influence of the merits of Jesus Christ." People be- 
lieved, that the moment in which any person paid the- 
money for indulgences, he became certain of his sal- 
vation ; and that the souls, for whom indulgences were 
bought, were instantly released from purgatory. 



GENT. XVI. J THE REFORMATION. 221 

Tetzel boasted that he had saved more souls from 
hell, by his indulgences, than St. Peter did by preach- 
ing 

While mankind were thus slumbering under an 
enormous load of superstition, an obscure pastor alone, 
and without help, began to erect the standard of sound 
religion. No man, who believes that u the preparation 
of the heart is from the Lord,'- will doubt, whether 
Martin Luther, in this great undertaking, was moved 
by the Spirit of God. This extraordinary person, at 
that time an Augustine monk, was professor or lectur- 
er of the University of Wittemburg in Saxony. In 
the memorable year 1517, he began the work of re- 
formation by intimating, from the pulpit, that persons 
might be better employed, than in running from* place 
to place to procure indulgences. "With deliberate 
steadiness, he ventured to persevere ; and having 
tried in vain, to procure the concurrence of the dig- 
nitaries of the church, he published his theses, ninety- 
five in number. Their effects, on the minds of men, 
w r ere rapid and powerful ; and in fifteen days they 
were circulated throughout Germany. 

But the real motive of Luther will be better dis- 
covered, by a brief view of the manners and spirit of 
the man, previous to his open declarations respecting 
indulgences. This Saxon Reformer was born in the 
year 1485, at Isleben, a town belonging to the county 
of Mansfeld. His father wrought in the mines of 
Mansfeld, which were, at that time, very famous ; 
and, after the birth of his son Martin Luther, removed 
to that town, became a proprietor in the mines, dis- 
charged public offices there, and was esteemed, by 
all men, for his integrity. He gave a very liberal 
education to Martin, who was generally remarkable 
for dutiful affection to his parents ; though in one in- 
stance, he was so led away by superstition, as to of- 
fend his father exceedingly. Having made great 
proficiency in his studies, he commenced master of 



22% THE REFORMATION. ['CENT. XVI, 

arts in the University of Erfurth at the age of twenty, 
gave close attention to the science of civil law, and is 
said to have intended himself for pleading at the bar. 
But a providential circumstance diverted him from 
his purpose. As he was walking in the fields with one 
of his most intimate friends, his companion was sud- 
denly killed by lightning; and Luther himself was so 
terrified, partly by this event, and partly by the hor- 
rid noise of the thunder, that while his mind was in 
the utmost consternation, he formed the hasty resolu- 
tion of withdrawing from the world, and of throwing 
himself into the monastery at Erfurth. His father, 
a man of plain, but sound understanding, strongly, re- 
monstrated. The son as strongly pleaded, what he 
considered as a terrible call from heaven, to take 
upon himself the monastic vow ; and to the grief and 
mortification of his father, entered the monastery in 
the year 1505. 

In the beginning of his monastic life, he was con- 
stantly sad and dejected. He had too much light to 
sit down in slothful content and indifference ; and too 
little to discern the rich treasures of the gospel, and 
apply its rich promises to one deeply convicted of sin 
and thirsting after righteousness. Fie remained more 
than a year, not only in constant anxiety and suspense, 
but in perpetual dread and alarm. In the second 
year, after Luther had entered into the monastery, he 
accidentally met with a Latin Bible. This he found 
a lasting treasure. By reading the word of God with 
prayer, his understanding was gradually enlightened, 
and beams of evangelical comfort darted across his 
wounded soul. With incredible ardor, he now devo- 
ted himself to the study of the Scripture, and the 
books of Augustine. 

He was ordained in the year 1507; the next year 
he was called to the professorship at Wittemburg, 
and in the year 1512 he^vas created doctor. At Wit- 
temburg a theatre was opened for the display of his ta- 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION 

lents, both as a teacher of philosophy, and as a popular 
preacher. He excelled in both capacities. Eloquent 
by nature, and powerful in moving the affections, ac- 
quainted also, in a very uncommon manner, with the 
elegancies and energy of his native tongue, he became 
the wonder of his age. 

We have now before us some interesting particulars 
of the private life of Luther, previously to the assump- 
tion of that public character, which has made his name 
immortal. The serious Christian will admire the wis- 
dom and goodness of Providence, which by preparatory 
exercises of the soul, had directed this extraordinary 
personage into the light and liberty of the gospel ; and 
fitted him for the great work, to which he was called. 
At the same time it seems a certain fact, that the 
Saxon Reformer was not induced to act the part, which 
has given so much celebrity to his name, from motives 
of personal malice, or of ambition, or avarice, but pure- 
ly from the fear of God, from a conscientious regard to 
evangelical truth, from a zeal for the divine glory, and 
for the profit of the souls of his fellow creatures. 

There are two points, respecting Luther, on which 
all the most respectable, even of the Papal party, con- 
cur in their testimony. One is, that his learning, ge- 
nius, and capacity, were of the first magnitude. The 
other is, that his life is allowed to be without any ma- 
terial blemish. Far be it, however, from the histo- 
rian's design, to insinuate that there were no faults or 
defects in this character so much admired. Besides 
the ebullitions of native depravity, in the confession of 
which no man was ever more earnest than Luther, aH 
real Christians have their infirmities and their faults, 
which cost them much inward pain and sorrow. The 
very candid and accurate memorialist, Seckendorf, de- 
fies all the adversaries of Luther to fix any just censure 
on his character, except what may be ranked under two 
heads ; namely, a disposition to be angry, and an in- 
dulgence in jesting. Beyond all doubt Luther w r as of 
20 



230 THE REFORMATION. [CENT. &VI. 

a choleric temper, and too often gave away to this con- 
stitutional evil, as he himself bitterly laments. 

Humane, generous, andplacable, he was rarely di- 
verted from the path of equity ; and notwithstanding 
the uncommon vehemence of his temper, he was often 
submissive, and condescending. With an exquiste sen- 
sibility, acd readiness of conception, with a zeal and an 
imagination, that never remitted their ardor, he was 
most perfectly free from enthusiasm ; and with a great 
capacity and unparalleled intrepidity he seems to 
have been devoid of ambition, and contented to live 
all his days, in very moderate circumstances. 

Tetzel, the Dominican, alarmed at the publication of 
Luther's theses, opposed to them one hundred and six 
propositions^ in which he attempted to refute the ar- 
guments of the Augustine monk ; and not content with 
this, by virtue of inquisitorial authority, he also direct- 
ed Luther's compositions to be burnt. The minds cf 
many were incensed against him, and he received va- 
rious warnings and remonstrances. But notwithstand- 
ing these, he persevered in the traffic and with aug- 
mented industry ; and so much incensed the minds of 
Luther's disciples, at Wittemburg, that they ventured, 
by way of retaliation, to burn publicly his propositions 
with every mark of disapprobation and ignominy. 

Luther never did things by halves. Accordingly, as 
the affair of selling indulgences had laid firm hold of 
his mind, he could neither quiet his uneasiness, nor 
smother his indignation. He still continued to preach, 
and to write on the same subject. During the year 
1518, he went toHeidelburg, and was courteously re- 
ceived by Wolfgang, the brother of the elector Pala- 
tine. A general assembly of Augustine monks had 
been called at that place, and a providential opportu- 
nity was afforded of propagating divine truth. While 
there, Luther wrote a number of propositions, in which 
his capital object was to demonstrate the doctrine of 
justification before God, by faith alone, and not by our 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 231 

works or deservings. A public dispute took place, a 
large concourse of people attended, and a number of 
learned men bore part in the disputation. Among the 
hearers were Martin Bucer and John Brentius, men af- 
terward eminent in the work of the Reformation. — 
These, and other persons, who in process of time be- 
came celebrated theologians, admired the acuteness, 
promptitude, and meekness of Luther ; were struck 
with the truths of the gospel, which were new to their 
ears, and desired farther instruction of him in private. 
This was the s.eed time of the gospel in the Palatinate, 
and these were the beginnings of the Reformation. 

While the cause of evangelical truth was thus mak- 
ing gradual advances in Germany, two celebrated Ro- 
manists, Eckius and Prierias, took up their pens against 
the theses of Luther, who, by these means, was led in- 
to a fresh literary contest. Luther published elaborate 
answers on all the disputed points, and managed this 
/part of the controversy with much moderation and gen- 
tleness. 

Leo X. at first, beheld the ecclesiastical disputes in 
Germany with the utmost indifference ; and showed 
himself indolent and improvident in defending the Pa- 
pal jurisdiction. 

But the clergy beheld them with very different emo- 
tions, and attacked Luther with all the virulence of 
enraged and bigoted Roman Catholics. They repre- 
sented the growing heresy as becoming incurable by any 
of the milder methods. Penal and compulsory reme- 
dies, they said, were absolutely necessary ; and exhort- 
ed the Pontiff, by means of the sword and of fire, to de- 
liver mankind from the detestable innovator. Mahj of 
the monks joined in this clamor, and with incessant vo- ' 
ciferation exclaimed, ;t Heresy! Blasphemy! Schism!" 

Not only the avaricious venders of indulgences voci- 
ferated against Luther, but from all quarters, com- 
plaints of the progress of heresy were sent to Rome. 
Even the Emperor, Maximilian L represented to the 



232 THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XVI. 

pope, how necessary his interference had become. 
The Augustine monk, he said, was disseminating he- 
retical and destructive doctrines ; was obstinate in 
adhering to his opinions, and active in propagating 
them ; and had made many converts, even among 
persons of rank and distinction. 

At length the Roman Pontiff was roused from his 
state of indolence and security ; and his imprudence, 
at this critical moment, seems almost the consequence 
of judicial infatuation. At once he passed from the 
extremes of neglect and indifference, to those of ty- 
rannical violence and temerity. He ordered Luther 
to appear at Rome, within sixty days, to answer for 
himself before certain judges, although, he had pre- 
viously been condemned as an heretic. 

Our Reformer took the wisest method to protect 
himself against the impending storm. He instantly 
sent an account of the pope's citation to his friend 
Spalatinus, who was then with the elector Frederic 
at the diet of Augsburg ; and in the strongest terms, 
requested, that through the interposition of the prince, 
Lis calise Height be heard in Germany, and not at 
Rome. Frederick the Wise understood the arts and 
practices of the court of Rome, and was convinced of 
the propriety, and even the necessity of seconding Lu- 
ther's wishes. Accordingly, he urged the competen- 
cy of a German tribunal, in an ecclesiastical contro- 
versy of that nature ; and it seems entirely owing to 
the address, the penetration, and the firmness of this 
o-reat prince, that the Roman Pontiff consented that 
Cardinal Cajetan, who was then his legate at Augsburg, 
should take cognizance of the matter. If the delin- 
quent showed proper marks of penitence and submis- 
sion, he was to be kindly received again into the bosom 
of the church ; but if he refused to appear before his- 
appointed judge, the legate was commissioned then to 
denounce publicly against him and his adherents, all 
the thunders and anathemas of papal indignation. 



\:yT. XVI,] THE REFORMATION 23o 

The elector of Saxony conducted himself, through- 
out this difficult transaction, with the most extraordina- 
ry discretion. Hoping, that an accommodation might 
lake place between the contending parties, he promis- 
ed the pope's legate, that he would take effectual care 
to place the supposed heretic before him for examina- 
tion at Augsburg. At the same time he made ample 
provision for the safety of Luther, and even obtained 
for him a promise of safe conduct from the emperor. 

At the first interview, Luther prostrated himself 
before the Cardinal, and was courteously received. 
But at the same time, he was required to retract his 
errors, to avoid them in future, and to abstain from eve- 
ry thing, which might disturb the peace of the church. 

The heaviest charge, brought against him, seems 
to have been, that he transgressed the bull of Cle- 
ment VI. in which had been defined the nature and 
extent of indulgences. Luther replied to this charge, 
that the holy Scripture, which he could produce in 
support of his own doctrines, had abundantly more 
weight with him than the authority of the pope. Ca- 
jetan exalted the authority of the pope above all coun- 
cils, above the church, and even above the Scriptures 
themselves. Luther insisted on the authority of Scrip- 
ture. He owned, that he might have erred, but 
thought it reasonable, that his error should be pointed 
out oil Scriptural ground, before he was required to 
recant. By frowns and menaces, Cajetan endeavored 
to intimidate the determined mind of the Saxon Re- 
former. Nothing but a recantation would satisfy the 
offended legate. Finding that he couldnot eifect this, 
he ordered Luther to depart, and come no more into 
his presence, unless he was determined to recant. 

A short time after Luther's last appearance before 
the cardinal, a report was spread, that notwithstand- 
ing the engagement of a safe conduct, he was to be 
seized and confined in irons. He then wrote to the 
Cardinal, pointed out all the recantation he could 
20* 



234 



THE REFORMATION. 



[CENT. XVI. 



possibly make, signified his positive determination to 
leave the place, and appealed to a German tribunal. 
Luther waited four days, and still received no far- 
ther orders. The suspense was extremely afflicting; 
and both himself and his friends began to suspect, 
that this total silence portended violence to his per- 
son. To prevent being seized and imprisoned, he 
quitted Augsburg very early the next morning. A 
friendly senator ordered the gates of the city to be 
opened; and he mounted a horse, which Staupitius 
had procured for him. He had neither boots, nor 
spurs, nor sword ; and was so fatigued with that day's 
journey, that when he descended from his horse, he 
was not able to stand, but fell down instantly among 
the straw in the stable. 

Such was the conclusion of the conferences at Augs- 
burg in which the firmness, and plain-dealing of Lu- 
ther were no less conspicuous, than the unreasonable 
and imperious behavior of the Cardinal. 

As soon as the events at Augsburg were known at 
Home, the pope's legate was blamed exceedingly, for 
his severe and illiberal treatment of Luther, at the 
very moment, it was said, when he ought to have 
promised him great riches, a bishopric, or even a car* 
dmal's hat. 



CHAPTER III. 



THE CONTROVERSY CONTINUED TILL THE DISPUTE 
AT LEIPSIC. 

The condition of Luther, after his return to Wit- 
iemburg, was peculiarly afflictive. Before him he 
saw the total ruin of his worldly circumstances, the 
hardships of poverty and exile, and the fear of a vio- 
lent death from papal vengeance. Every day the 
contest grew more and more perilous. Luther him- 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 235 

self had a single eye to the prosperity of the kingdom 
of Christ, but he could not be answerable for the 
zeal, or the perseverance of others. He was well 
acquainted with the human heart ; and foresaw that 
political and secular concerns might clash with the in- 
terests of the gospel. It was an excellent part of 
Luther's character, that in the most critical and diffi- 
cult situations, he could commit his cause to God, 
with firm and entire reliance on his will ; and at the 
same time, be as active and indefatigable in using all 
prudential means, as if the events depended solely oa 
human exertions. In his present danger and perplex- 
ity, he cast his eyes on France, where formerly soma 
opposition had been made to the fullness of papal do- 
minion ; and where, he hoped, he might profess and 
preach divine truth with greater security than in Ger- 
many. 

In this conjuncture the elector of Saxony signi- 
fied his earnest wish, that Luther would not leave 
Wittemburg ; and expressed his firm determination 
to do him no injustice. Animated with this favorable 
determination of the prince, Luther resolved to re*- 
main on the spot. 

It may not be improper to mentionhere, that beside 
the literary, and controversial employments of the pro- 
fessor of Wittemburg, Luther had, for some time dis- 
charged the office of a pastor in the same town ; and 
thus this industrious Reformer supported, at once, the 
(character of a theological teaxher, and disputant ; and 
also of a popular preacher, and a parochial clergyman. 
The emperor Maximilian died in the year 1519, and 
during the interregnum, the prince elector, duke of 
Saxony, as a vicar of the empire, professed sufficient 
power to protect and cherish Lutheranism in its infan- 
cy- u The violent storm," says Luther, " subsided by 
little, and little; and the pontifical thunders of excom- 
munication were gradually more and more despised." 
The court of Rome, finding it impossible to stop 
the proceedings of Luther by mere authority and 



236 THE REFORMATION. L CENT « xyi ' 

threatemngs,had now recourse to arts and negotiation; 
and appointed as a new legate Charles Miltitz, a 
Saxon knight. His first endeavor was to bring over 
the elector Frederic to the Roman party ; but failing 
in this attempt, he had several conferences with Lu- 
ther, which proved fruitless as to the essential points. 
The only effect, of these negotiations, seems to have 
been, that the elector of Saxony and of Treves agreed 
to defer the complete examination of the matters in 
dispute, to the first German diet of the new emperor 
Charles V. ; and that in the mean time, Luther should 
write a submissive letter to the pope. 

Harrassed with doubts, and perfectly aware of the 
danger that threatened him, Luther w 7 ould have given 
all the world for a sound, a discreet counsellor. Of 
the danger he sought no partner ; but alas ! his best, 
and wisest friends, when pressed closely concerning 
the most critical and perilous part of the contest, ab- 
solutely stood aloof. 

While the pope's nuncio was negotiating a reconci- 
liation in Germany, Tetzel, the wretched subaltern, 
whose scandalous conduct had so much disgraced his 
employers, met with the reward; which frequently 
awaits the ministers -of iniquity. He found himself 
deserted by all the world, fell sick, wasted away, and 
died of a broken heart. 

The name of Eckius has already been mentioned 
among the adversaries of Luther. This able and 
learned doctor of divinity had formerly been the 
friend of our Reformer ; but a thirst for fame, and a 
prospect of worldly advantage had seduced him from 
the cause of truth. Relying on the brilliancy of his 
own talents, and the popularity of his cause, he ear- 
nestly sought for a public exhibition of theological 
skill ; and with this view, challenged Carolstad, the 
colleague and adherent of Luther, and even Luther 
himself, to try their strength with him in a contest on 
the points in dispute, Carolstad was a doctor of divi- 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 23T 

nity, and archdeacon of Wittemburg ; and is esteem- 
ed one of the first open defenders of Luther. The 
challenge was accepted ; and George, duke of Saxony, 
uncle of the elector, offered the combatants the city 
of Leipsic, as the scene of debate, with an engage- 
ment for their security, and a promise of every conve- 
nience. Luther obtained leave to be present at the 
contest as a spectator ; but was expressly denied the 
grant of safe conduct if he attempted to appear in the 
character of a disputant. The assembly was splen- 
did ; the expectations of people were highly raised; 
and it was vainly imagined, that some decision would 
be made concerning the subjects of contention. 

This disputation continued for six days, during which 
time, the superior eloquence and acuteness of Eckius 
seems to have afforded a temporary triumph to the 
enemies of the Reformation. Flushed with success 
and thirsting for glory, this champion of the papal sys- 
tem came to Luther at his lodgings., and with an air 
of confidence, said, "I understand you will not dispute 
with me in public" u How can I, dispute with you,' 1 
said Luther, " When the duke George refuses me 
my request of safe conduct." Eckius, replied, " If 
I am not to combat with you, I will spend no more 
time on Carolstad. Suppose I could obtain the public 
faith for your safety, would you then meet me and 
try your strength ?" Luther consented, and very 
soon after, he had the Duke's leave to take Carol- 
stad's place in the public debate- 

This second theological conflict was carried on for 
ten days, with uncommon ardor, and without intermis- 
sion. Among the articles of controversy were the doc- 
trines of purgatory, and indulgences ; the nature of re- 
pentance, and remission of sins ; and particularly, the 
foundation of the supremacy of the Roman Pontiffs. 

.Eckius was so forcibly impressed with the reason- 
ings of Luther, and especially with the neat, and well 
digested order in which his materials were arranged, 



238 THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XYI. 

that he was compelled to acknowledge, before a 
splendid audience, the qualifications and attainments 
of his reverend opponent. 

The victory of this contest was claimed on both 
sides. However, it is sufficiently evident, that the 
Roman party were not only defeated, but shamefully 
disgraced ; and from this period the bitterness and en- 
mity of Eckius against his opponent, suddenly increas? 
ed beyond all bounds. 

That some good might result from the contentions 
at Leipsic, and that mankind might be less bewildered 
in the mazes of subtle disputation, this diligent ser- 
vant of God determined to review carefully all his 
own positions, which had been the subject of debate 
at Leipsic ; and to publish them with concise explana- 
tions, and with arguments in their support, consisting 
of appeals to Scripture and ecclesiastical history. 

These publications of Luther were circulated 
throughout Germany, and were read with the greatest 
avidity by all ranks and orders Eckius, a;\d other 
advocates ofthe Roman catholic cause, answered the 
heretic with great heat and indignation^ Luther repli- 
ed with the promptitude and decision, and also with the 
zeal and confidence of. a man who was perfectly mas- 
ter of the arguments on both sides of the questions in ' 
dispute; felt deeply interested in the establishment of 
truth, and had thoroughly examined the foundations of 
his opposition to the prevailing corruptions. By this 
means, the discussions at Leipsic were detailed with 
minuteness and continued with spirit : they every 
w r here became topics of common conversation ; and as 
Luther constantly appealed to plain sense, and the 
written word of God, the scholastic subtilties of Eckius 
lost their weight and reputation among the people. 

The elector of Saxony was the only prince, who 
publicly favored the Reformation. His mind had 
been much exercised about divine things, even before 
this Wittejnburg theologian had dared to expose and 

1 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 239 

Withstand the corruptions of the Roman see. With 
much diligence and constant prayer he had read the 
word of <jrod ; and was extremely displeased with the 
usual modes of interpreting Scripture. He had a 
deep sense of his own weakness and sinfulness, and 
felt much anxiety, that the faith of Christ might be 
preached in its purity among the people ; still this ex- 
cellent personage remained in bondage to Papal au- 
thority and Papal superstitions. And hence, though 
his views of the Bible were in perfect harmony with 
those of Luther, and though he agreed with him that 
the shameful abuses ought to be corrected, dangerous 
errors exposed, salutary truths propagated, and man- 
kind put in possession of the words of eternal life, he 
nevertheless, continued to feel mo^t disquieting appre- 
hensions, lest in accomplishing these important pur- 
poses, offence should be given to the Roman Pontiff. 

The celebrated Philip Meiancthon, w r ho is always 
numbered among the most powerful instruments of the 
Reformation, was present at the public disputation of 
Eckius. Already indeed he had favored Luther's in- 
tentions of teaching pare Christianity, andof deliver- 
ing it from the reigning darkness of superstition. The 
conferences at Leipsic seem to have had a mighty ef- 
fect in first determining the mind of this elegant scho- 
tar to employ his talents in the study of theology; and 
in leading him to embark in the cause of religious li- 
berty' with zeal and fidelity. From the period of this 
famous public disputation, he applied himself most in- 
tensely to the interpretation of the Scripture, and 
the defence of pure Christian doctrine ; and is ju&tiy 
esteemed, by Protestants, to have been the most 
powerful coadjutor of the Saxon Reformer. His mild 
and peaceable temper, his aversion to schismatic con- 
tentions, his reputation for piety and knowledge, and 
above all his happy art of exposing error, and main- 
taining truth in the most perspicuous language ; all 
these endowments concurred to render him eminently 
serviceable to the revival of the religion of Christ. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE PROGRESS OF THE REFORMATION TILL THE CON- 
CLUSION OF THE DIET AT WORMS. 

Miltitz, the pope's nuncio, was not inattentive to 
the object of his mission. He at first, came armed 
With seventy attendants for the express purpose of 
seizing Luther, and carrying him prisoner to Rome. 
As this scheme failed, on account of the extreme pop- 
ularity of Luther, he then did his utmost, by way of 
kindness and condescension, to draw a recantation of 
errors from the Reformer. But neither promises 
nor threate'nings materially affected the firm determi- 
nations of Martin Luther. He gradually proceeded 
hi the work of Reformation ; and toward the end of 
the year 1519, he began to preach on the propriety of 
administering to the laity the communion in both 
ku;ds. This step gave great offence to some of the 
Papal adherents ; but Luther steadily followed the 
track pointed out to him by a diligent and persevering 
study of the Holy Scriptures. 

When we view this champion of Christian liberty 
calumniated, irritated, provoked, hunted down, and 
almost struggling for life, it is with infinite satisfac- 
tion, that we find the elegant pen of Melancthon begin- 
ning to appear in reply to some of Luther's adversa- 
ries. But notwithstanding this, the popish party per- 
severed in their endeavors to silence or destroy the 
Saxon Reformer ; and Luther finally consented to be 
quiet, provided, that they would not insist on evangel- 
ical truth's lying dormant; and would permit Christians 
to walk in the paths of salvation without persecution. 
Amidst the various distresses, which the attacks of 
persecution occasioned, several circumstances took 
place at the beginning of the year 1520, which tended 
greatly to encourage the Saxon Reformer. First, 
the appearance of Melancthon against the papal ad- 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 241 

herents ; secondly, several elaborate epistles of Eras- 
mus, written to persons of learning and eminence, re- 
present Luther in the most respectful terms ; thirdly, 
several German noblemen, who had imbibed Lutheran 
principles, and had heard of the dangers to which the 
Reformer's life was exposed, stepped forward, at this 
crisis, and offered him their protection. 

The active spirit of Luther was continually engaged . 
in the investigation of evangelical truth. Hearing of 
the design of the court of Rome to publish his con- 
demnation, he found himself compelled to proceed in 
his opposition to the established system. He saw no 
possibility of retreating with a safe conscience ; all 
his offers of peace and reconciliation were rejected 
with disdain ; and his bitterest enemies were counte- 
nanced, and applauded by the pontiff. He determin- 
ed, therefore, to do his utmost to open the eyes of all 
ranks and orders of men respecting the abominable 
practices of the Roman hierarchy. Accordingly in the 
year 1520, he published, in his native language, a little 
treatise, in which he addressed the emperor and Ger- 
man nobility. In this work, Luther collects a history 
of the numerous corruptions, which for ages, had been 
creeping into the church; describes the miseries, which 
Germany had suffered from the various wars which 
had been occasioned by intriguing and ambitious pon- 
tiffs ; exhorts the whole nation to make a stand against 
the encroachments of the pope ; lays open the scanda- 
lous manners and practices of the court of Rome, and 
describes the cardinals as a company of useless men, 
who drained Italy and Germany of their riches, and 
disgraced their profession by their vices. This trea- 
tise comprehends likewise a selection of distinct arti- 
cles concerning the reformation of ecclesiastical af- 
fairs, the encouragement of useful seminaries of learn- 
ing, and the study of theology. 

Thus by a persevering opposition, equally firm and 
prudent, the Saxon Reformer gradually subverted the 
21 



242 THE REFORMATION. [GENT. XVI. 

foundations of popery ; and Germany saw, with ad- 
miration, the display of a profound practical -know- 
ledge from a person whose hours had been spent 
chiefly in the schools, and in the monastery. 

On the fifteenth day of June, 1520, Leo X. pub- 
lished the famous damnatory edict against Luther, 
which, in the event, proved fatal to the established 
hierarchy. This had been a subject of hesitancy at 
Rome, nearly three years, during all which time, 
" the word of God had grown and multiplied." 

Forty one propositions, extracted from Luther's 
works, are therein condemned as heretical, scanda- 
lous, and offensive to pious ears ; all persons are for- 
bidden to read his writings upon pain of excommuni- 
cation ; such, as had any of them in their custody, are 
commanded to burn them ; and he himself, if he did 
not within sixty days send or bring his retraction, in 
form, to Rome, is pronounced an obstinate heretic, is 
excommunicated, and delivered unto Satan for the 
destruction of the flesh. 

The edict met with different kinds of reception, in 
different parts of Germany. In some places, the pub- 
lication of it was delayed ; in others eluded in part ; 
and so odious were the proceedings of the court of 
Rome in this business, that fear alone dictated to many 
a reluctant and partial obedience to its mandates. 

The court of Rome, in this whole business, did not 
manifest even the smallest degree of wisdom or fore- 
sight. To the same infatuation, we may ascribe the 
rash and insolent demands, which they directed Alex- 
ander to make from the elector. In the pope's name, 
he insisted on two things ; first, that he would cause 
all Luther's books to be burnt; secondly, that he would 
either put the author of them to death, or imprison 
him, till he should be sent to Rome. 

Frederick, after due consideration, and by the ad- 
vice of his privy counsellors, replied with great pru- 
dence, firmness, and spirit. He vindicated the cha- 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION, 243 

racterof Luther, showed the unreasonableness of 
such demands, and entreated, that they would no lon- 
ger persist in those measures. He then advised^ 
that the business should be committed to learned, pi- 
ous, impartial, disinterested judges, who might meet 
at a convenient place, have the parties present, with 
the public faith pledged for their safety ; and then 
added, "Whenever this supposed heretic shall be 
convicted, by solid Scriptural arguments, the elector 
of Saxony will be the last person to protect him." 

While the minds of men of all orders and ranks, 
were" agitated with ecclesiastical contentions, the ac- 
tive and ardent disposition of Luther could, by no 
means, permit him to be an indolent spectator. The 
interest of the pure gospel of Christ, the reputation 
of the Reformer, and even his personal safety, were 
all at stake. Accordingly, his first defensive step, 
was to appeal from the sentence of the Roman pontiff 
to the superior authority of a general council. He 
appeals from him, 

1. As a rash, iniquitous, and tyrannical judge ; 

2. As a hardened heretic, and apostate ; 

3. As an enemy, antichrist, and an opposer of the 
sacred Scriptures ; 

4. As a proud and blasphemous despiser of the sa- 
cred church of God, and of all legal councils. 

Luther'snext step was to publish, in answer to the 
edict, two small tracts, in which he exposes, with 
great spirit, the injustice, arrogance, and despotism of 
the Roman court. 

In another tract, he boldly asserts the authority of 
Scripture, explains to mankind its proper use, and 
impresses on their minds its immense importance. 
Indeed, the light of the apostolic age, began to beam 
on the nations of Europe, and was finally attended 
with the most salutary consequences to millions then 
unborn. 

But the asperity of Luther's style threw a shade 
over all his virtues ; and though the rudeness and in- 



244 THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XVI. 

delicacy of the age in which he lived apologized, in 
part, for this defect ; and fchough the same expressions 
which he used, would at this day indicate a far great- 
er acrimony of temper, it was impossible, -even for 
his friends, to justify his want of mildness and modera- 
tion. The court of the elector more than once repro- 
ved his excessive fervor ; and those, who admired the 
shrewdness, the solidity, the sincerity, and the mag- 
nanimity of his conceptions, could not commend the 
ananner in which he conveyed them. 

When Luther, by his publications, had opened men's 
eyes to the impiety and injustice of the sentence of 
the Roman court, he proceeded to perform one of the 
boldest actions recorded in history. As Leo, in the 
execution of the edict, had commanded Luther's books 
to be burnt, he, by way of retaliation, erected an im- 
mense pile of wood, without the walls ofWittemburg, 
and there in the presence of the professors and stu- 
dents of the University, and a vast multitude of spec- 
tators, committed to the flames his papal bull of ex- 
communication, together with volumes which related 
to the pontifical jurisdiction. 

To convince mankind that the measure, which he 
had just executed with so much firmness and intrepid- 
ity, was not the production of a hasty thought, or the 
ebullition of a sudden gust of passion, he immediately 
selected thirty articles from the code of papal laws, 
as a specimen of the iniquitous contents of the books 
which he had just consumed. Upon these, he wrote 
concise and pointed remarks. He then printed the 
whole, and circulated the little tract among the people; 
calling upon them, in the most animated strains, to 
exercise their own judgments in matters of such vast 
importance. 

Men were accustomed daily to submit without re- 
medy, and often without murmuring, to the most 
shameful abuses of ecclesiastical authority ; but when 
they were convinced that their sufferings were the re- 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 245 

suit of an iniquitous system ; when they read the ex- 
travagant propositions that proclaimed the absolute 
power of the pope, and their own ignominious bondage, 
their patience startled, and began to mutiny against 
a jurisdiction, which was founded altogether in injus- 
tice aud impiety. Hence many even of the Roman 
Catholics in Germany were disposed to countenance 
the Reformer in his resistance to the pope's tyranni- 
cal bull ; and though Alexander procured a second bull 
against him, couched in the most peremptory and de- 
finitive terms, it proved almost entirely inefficient. 

c; During a considerable part of the sixteenth cen- 
tury, Europe was governed by monarchs, whose un- 
common abilities rendered them conspicuous in the 
annals of history. Charles V., Henry VIII., Francis 
I., and Solyman the Magnificent, were then actors on 
the great drama, of which all Europe was the stage."* 

The rivalship between Charles and Francis produ- 
ced such a hostility, as effectually prevented their 
uniting to crush the Reformation ; the growing power 
of the Mahometans intimidated the Papal sovereign- 
ties and checked their rage for persecution ; and the 
capricious and imperious temper of Henry VIII. king 
of England, was soon led by Him, in whose hand are 
the hearts of princes, to favor the progress of divine 
truth in Europe. 

The fame of Luther's wisdom, and of Melancthon's. 
learning, filled the University of Wittemburg with 
students, who imbibed their master's sentiments, and 
on their return propagated them among their country- 
men with most astonishing zeal and success. Thus 
by a judicious and diligent explication of the written 
word of God, during the short space of the years 
1518, 19, and 20, the. systematic prejudices of many 
centuries were almost overturned. 

* See Whelpley's Compend, 

21* ; 



246 # THE REFORMATION. [CBNT. XVI. 

To carry forward, and if possible to accelerate this 
glorious revolution in favor of Christian truth, was 
the great object of Luther. While the several illus- 
trious monarchs, above mentioned, were struggling for 
pre-eminence in power and grandeur, his contest was 
entirely with the rulers of the darkness of this world, 
and with spiritual wickedness in high places. Few 
men, of those who have been persecuted for righteous- 
ness' sake, have surrendered themselves and their 
cause into the hand of God with more perfect resigna- 
tion than Luther did. His affairs w 7 ere coming fast to 
a crisis ; his life was in the most imminent danger ; 
and he had but one patron of any considerable rank or 
distinction ; yet, can we no where trace in him the 
smallest anxiety on account of his personal safety. 
Those moments of suspense, in which most persons 
are found incapable of study or cool deliberation, our 
industrious theologian improved as a precious little 
interval of time, granted him, for the most important 
purpose, of further enlightening mankind ; and while 
his friends trembled fox the issue of the next German 
diet, he himself seems to have rejoiced, that, even a 
short season w r as thus afforded him for pursuing his 
studies in divinity. Deeply impressed with these 
view^s, the Saxon theologian applied himself to the 
study of the sacred pages, with redoubled ardor and 
assiduity. Alexander had burnt his books ; but that 
very circumstance served to increase men's curiosity 
for reading them, and their author's zeal and industry 
in reconsidering and republishing the doctrines he had 
taught. From the election of Charles V. in the year 
1519, till the commencement of his first diet, the fol- 
lowing year, Luther was industriously employed in 
writing and publishing an incredible number of ser- 
mons, paraphrases, and polemical tracts. His excel- 
lent commentary, on the epistle to the Galatians, was 
one of them. It was read with great avidity, and was 
very instrumental of promoting the cause of Protes- 
tantism, 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 247 

This treatise will abundantly satisfy every inquirer, 
that the grand and fundamental point, which the Re- 
former had most at heart in all his labors, contests and 
dangers, was the doctrine of justification by faith alone. 

The eyes of all Europe were fixed on the diet of 
Worms. That general and astonishing revolution of 
sentiment, which was taking place in the minds of the 
people, had proceeded with such incredible rapidity, 
that it became necessary for emperors and princes to 
take public cognizance of transactions, which could no 
longer be buried in obscurity. Accordingly Charles 
V. in his circular letters to the electors and other 
members of the diet, informed them, that he had 
summoned the assembly of the Empire, for the purpose 
of concerting with them, the most proper measures 
for checking the progress of those new and dangerous 
opinions, which threatened to disturb the peace of Ger- 
many, and to overturn the religion of their ancestors. 

After the diet had met, a considerable time was 
spent in formalities, and in making some general re- 
gulations respecting the internal police of the empire. 
They then proceeded to take into consideration the 
religious questions and controversies. The papal le- 
gates insisted on an immediate condemnation of the 
man, who had so long disturbed the peace of the 
church ; and who, for more than six months, had been 
under actual sentence of excommunication, as an in- 
corrigible heretic. 

But the members of the diet openly withstood the 
pope's advocates in an attempt so unjustifiable. Such 
a proceeding, they considered as inconsistent with jus- 
tice, and unauthorized by precedent. 

Alexander then observed, that in spite of the pon- 
tiff's utmost endeavors for four years past, to free the 
world from this great evil, it was daily spreading it- 
self more and more, and appeared to be desperate and 
incurable. This detestable heresy, he said, ought to 
fee exposed to public execration; and so ought its do- 



248 1HE REFORMATION. [CENT. XVI. 

ceitful, rash, obstinate, and furious author. An im- 
perial edict, for this purpose, was now, he said, the 
only remedy that remained. 

These and various other proceedings at Worms, 
convinced the elector of Saxony of the necessity of the 
Reformer's presence ; and induced him to urge the 
propriety of proceeding no farther, in the affairs of 
Luther, till he himself could be heard in his own 
cause. The question before them, he said, was not 
merely, whether certain doctrines were false and 
ought to be proscribed ; but also, whether Martin Lu- 
ther was the author of them. Common justice, there- 
fore, required, that he should be called before the 
diet, that they might learn from himself, whether he 
really avowed and propagated the sentiments, which 
were said to be found in his books. It was impossible, 
en any decent grounds, to resist so wise and reasonable 
a proposition. In fact, the whole diet, almost with- 
out exception, though for various, and even opposite 
reasons, concurred in this sentiment of the elector* 
And notwithstanding all the arts and all the menaces 
of Alexander, Charles ventured to grant Luther a safe 
conduct to Worms, and again in return to Wittemburg. 
He even with his own hands wrote to the heretic, and 
calls him our Honourable, Beloved, Devout, Doctor 
Martin Luther of the Augustine order. He then pro- 
ceeds to inform him that the emperor and the sacred 
imperial orders, then met in congregation, had deter- 
mined to examine him respecting certain books which 
he had published ; that they had joined in granting 
him a safe conduct, that he must not fail to appear 
before the diet within twenty-one days. The empe- 
ror concludes with repeating his assurances of protec- 
tion from every injury and violence. 

Luther set out immediately for Worms, and while 
on his way there, was considerably indisposed. In a 
letter to a friend he says, " 1 have experienced such 
Iwigour as I never felt before. Besides, I hear the 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 249 

emperor has published a mandate to frighten me. 
Put Christ, nevertheless, lives ; and I will enter 
Worms, though all the gates of hell, and all the pow- 
ers of darkness oppose." • 

The hearts of Luther's best friends began to fail 
them, as the danger approached. At Oppenheim, 
near Worms, they solicited him, in the most vehe- 
ment manner, to venture no farther. What favor 
could he expect from men, w r ho had already begun to 
break their word with him ? The pope had published 
a definitive edict against him ; and the emperor, ia 
compliance, had ordered all his writings to be seized ; 
and to disgrace him still more, the imperial mandate, 
as w*ell as the papal edict, were every where put up 
for the public information. 

It w r as under such circumstances, and to such solici- 
tations, that our Saxon hero, with his usual intrepidi- 
ty, returned that ever memorable answer, namely, 
" Though I should be obliged to encounter at Worms 
as many devils, are there are tiles upon the houses of 
that city, this will not deter me from my fixed pur- 
pose of appearing there." 

Luther arrived at Worms, on the sixteenth of April, 
1521 ; and as he stepped from his vehicle, he said 
these words in the presence of a numerous concourse 
of people, u God w T ill be on my side." 

It has been truly observed, that the reception^ he 
there met with, was such as he might have esteemed 
a full reward for all his labors, if vanity and the love 
of applause, had been the principles which influenced 
his conduct. Immense crowds, daily flocked to see 
him ; and his apartments were constantly filled with 
visitors of the highest rank. In short, he was consid- 
ered as a prodigy of wisdom, and respected as one born 
to enlighten the understandings of mankind, and direct 
their sentiments. 

Luther lodged with the Teutonic knights, and en 
the day after his arrival, was conducted to the diet by 
the marshal of the empire. 



250 THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XVI. 

On his appearance before that august assembly, h© 
was directed to be silent, till questions should be pro- 
posed to him. The emperor's speaker, then produ- 
ced a bundle of books, and informed Luther, that, by 
order of his imperial majesty, he was directed to pro- 
pose two questions to him. The first was, whether 
he acknowledged those books, which went by his 
name, to be his own ; and the second, whether he in- 
tended to defend or retract, what was contained in 
them. After due consideration, and with suitable re- 
verence, Luther arose, and having delivered a perti- 
nent introduction, he added: "To the first question, I 
give a plain and direct answer, and in that I shall per- 
sist forever. I did publish those books, and I am res- 
ponsible for their contents, so far as they are really 
mine ; but I do not answer for any alterations, that 
have been made in them, whether by the crafty malice 
of enemies, or the imprudent officiousness of friends." 

To the second question his reply was lengthy, ener- 
getic, and decisive. With the eloquence of a Ci- 
cero, the humility of a Christian, and amazing depth 
of understanding, he defended the truths contained in 
those publications. 

As soon as he had finished his speech, which was de- 
livered in the German language, he was ordered to 
say the same things in Latin. But he was so much 
out .of breath, and so overcome w r ith heat, and the 
pressure of numerous persons of quality, that he found 
it necessary to pause a little. Having quickly reco- 
vered himself, he went over the same ground in La- 
tin, with prodigious animation, and to the very great 
satisfaction of all his friends. 

John Eckius, the emperor's speaker, having lost all 
patience before Luther had concluded, cried out in 
much heat and passion, that he had not answered to 
the point ; that he was not called upon to give an ac- 
count of his doctrines ; that these had already been 
condemned in former councils, whose decisions were 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 251 

not now to be questioned ; that he was required sim- 
ply, and clearly to say, whether he would or would 
not retract his opinions. Luther instantly replied, 
" My answer, shall be direct and plain. I cannot 
think myself bound to believe either the pope or his 
councils : for it is very clear, that they have not only 
often erred but often contradicted themselves. There- 
fore, unless I am convinced by Scripture, or clear rea- 
son, my belief is so confirmed by the Scriptural pas* 
sages I have produced, and my conscience so deter- 
mined to abide by the word of God, that I neither can, 
nor will retract any thing ; for it is neither safe nor 
innocent to act against a man's conscience." Luther 
then pronounced these words, "Here I stand. I 
cannot do otherwise. May God help me. Amen." 

Having made some farther attempts to obtain a re- 
cantation of errors from Luther, night came on and 
the diet broke up. 

During the whole of this interesting scene, the spe- 
cial partisans of the pope, were filled with indigna- 
tion; and many of the Spanish Roman catholics follow- 
ed Luther, as he returned from the tribunal, and show- 
ed their enmity by long continued sneers and hisses. 

On the two following days, incredible pains were 
taken by the princes, electors, and deputies, of vari- 
ous orders, to shake the resolution of this hero of the 
Reformation. But he continued inflexible. Neither 
threats, nor exhortations, nor promises, availed to 
make him change his resolution, or vary from the an- 
swer, he had so often given, respecting the absolute 
necessity he was under of abiding by the sole au- 
thority of the sacred Scriptures. 

Finding all their eifcrts ineffectual, the emperor 
sent a message to Luther ordering him to leave 
Worms, "Because," he said, u notwithstanding the 
most friendly admonitions and entreaties, he persisted 
in his contumacy, and would not return into the bosom 
of the church," 



252 THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XVI, 

The enemies of the Reformation, exceedingly ex- 
asperated with Luther, intended to effect his ruin; 
but the elector of Saxony foresaw the rising storm, 
and contrived a plan of concealing him from the fury 
of his enemies. The secret was revealed to Luther 
on the evening before he left Worms. Three or four 
horsemen, in whom Frederic could confide, disguised 
themselves in masks, and contrived to meet the per- 
secuted monk on his return home. They played their 
part well, rushed out of the wood, secured Luther as 
it were by force, and carried him into the castle of 
Wartburg. This business was managed with so much 
address and fidelity, that he was completely secured 
from the effects of the impending storm. 

The popish adherents were, by this time, doubly 
exasperated with Luther. But Alexander, in partic- 
ular, was exceedingly enraged. To appease this of- 
fended legate, Charles employed him to draw up the 
final sentence against Luther, usually called the edict 
of Worms. 

The edict, as might be expected, was penned by 
Alexander, with all possible rancor and malice. The 
first part of it states, that it is the duty of the empe- 
ror to protect religion, and extinguish heresies. The 
second part, relates to the pains, that had been taken 
to bring back the heretic to repentance ; and the third 
proceeds to the condemnation of Martin Luther in the 
strongest terms. 

Alexander introduces into this composition, the most 
acrimonious personal invectives, he could invent. He 
represents Luther, not as a man, but as a devil in the 
shape of a man, who had put on the habit of a monk 
for the express purpose of ruining mankind. 

While the advocates of papal despotism, were en- 
deavoring to crush the Reformation, and even to take 
away the life of the Reformer, his books, which had 
been dispersed in abundance among the distant na- 
tions, and translated into various languages, were pro- 



cent, xvi.] the'reformatiqn* 2-oS 

during the most surprising, and happy effects. Not 
only in Saxony, but in Denmark, Bohemia, Pomera- 
nia, and towns situated on the Rhine, there were 
found intelligent expositors of the word of God, and 
faithful preachers of the glad tidings of salvation. At 
Strasburg, Matthias Callius defended the principle* 
of Luther with great spirit and freedom In his apolo- 
gy, published in 1523, he had the courage to declare* 
that the example of all Germany was in his favor \ 
and that notwithstanding tlie edict of Worms, there 
was not a city nor monastery, nor university, nor ever^ 
a house nor family, in which there were not some of 
his followers. Even in manycities of Belgium, where 
the greatest severities were used, to extirpate the 
new sect, the pure doctrine of the gospel maintained 
its ground against all the powers of darkness. This 
was a glorious season. The Spirit of God was at 
work with many hearts ; and to those pious souls, 
who, amidst the thick clouds of superstition and igno- 
rance, were sincerely intending to serve God, the 
light of the divine word must have been an unspeak- 
able consolation. The operations of this heavenly 
light gives ease to the burdened conscience, dispels 
all slavish fears, and puts the mind in possession of 
the kingdom of God. 



CHAPTER V. 

FROM THE CONCLUSION OF THE DIET AT WORMS TO 
THE DEATH OF THE ELECTOR OF SAXONY. 

The followers of Luther wpre greatly dishearten- 
ed at the sudden disappearance of their leader. An 
anxious solicitude pervaded their minds, not only for 
Luther personally, but for the cause of truth. The 
distressing apprehensions, of losing such an instructor 



254 THE REFORMATIO^. [CENT. XTI. 

at: that critical time produced the most melancholy 
and inauspicious forebodings. Various reports were 
circulated respecting him, but the one most preva- 
lent and least changeable was, that assassins had laid 
wait for, seized, and murdered him. 

During this season of anxiety among his friends, 
Luther labored with indefatigable industry ; he trans- 
lated the New Testament into the German language, 
published many new books, confirmed his disciples" in 
their attachment to him, and defended the truth with 
unabating ardor. 

He frequently heard from his friends, and was 
consoled with the intelligence, that the courage and 
success of his disciples, and progress of his doctrines 
continued to increase. At the same time, he heard 
reports that were calculated to damp his jcy ; name- 
ly, that the divines of Paris had passed a solemn pro- 
test on his writings ; and that Henry VIII. of Engiand 
was determined to oppose the progress of Lutheran 
tenets by his great authority, and suppress them by 
his scholastic weapons. Luther, however, was nei- 
ther overawed by the reputation of the University of 
Paris, nor frightened by the dignity of the Sovereign 
of England. He soon published his animadversions 
on both. These proceedings excited increased atten- 
tion; and in spite of the united combinations both of 
civil and ecclesiastical powers, the Lutheran opinions 
daily acquired new converts in every part of Europe. 

In the year 1522 Luther left what he called his 
Patmos, and returned to Wittemburg without the 
consent or even the knowledge of his patron and pro- 
tector Frederic. He immediately acquainted that 
prince with this transaction, and with the motives, 
which compelled him no longer to remain a concealed 
spectator of transactions, which oppressed his mind 
with the most painful apprehensions. The distracted 
state of the infant church induced him to take this 
bold step. The papal powers were cruel, artful*- 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 255 

and active; the Reformers were, for the most part, 
unskilful politicians, and some of them injudicious and 
headstrong. The fair prospect of the Reformation 
had become dark and cloudy; and it became absolute- 
ly necessary that the most skilful pilot should repair 
to the helm. But the cautious Frederic, astonished 
at his unexpected return, dreaded, with trembling 
anxiety, the most deplorable consequences. How- 
ever, he was soon delivered from this painful anxiety ; 
and saw that Luther's return to Wittemburg was at- 
tended with the most salutary consequences. Tran- 
quility and concord were again restored to the church ; 
and the people of that place heard their beloved pas- 
tor with increased pleasure ajid advantage. His per- 
sonal circumstances were, at this time, peculiarly 
distressing. In a letter to a friend he says, U I am 
now encompassed with uo guards, but those of hea* 
ven ; I live in the midst of enemies, who have a legal 
power of killing me every hour." 

But amidst all these difficulties, he remitted not 
his usual vigor and activity. In the course of the 
year 1522, he published the German version of the 
New Testament ; and then proceeded to the transla- 
tion of the Old Testament. The whole performance 
was a monument of that astonishing industry and per- 
severance, which ever marked the character of this 
Reformer. The effects of this labor were soon felt 
in Germany ; immense numbers, who had groped in 
darkness, now read in their own language, the pre- 
cious word of God, and saw with their own eyes the 
just foundation of the Lutheran doctrine. A more ac- 
ceptable present could scarcely have been conferred 
on men just emerging from darkness. The example 
was soon followed by Reformers of other nations ; 
and thus the real knowledge of Scripture was facili- 
tated in a surprising degree. Emser, a doctor of 
Leipsic, endeavored to depreciate the credit of Lu- 
ther's version ; and the popish princes, within the 



25C THE REFORMATION. [CENT, XVI\ 

bounds of their respective dominions, ordered the 
work to be burnt. George, Duke of Saxony, incensed 
at the growth of Lutheranism, began to encou»age the 
most violent proceedings against them ; and set the 
example of a persecution, which was carried on with 
the most unrelenting cruelty. Emboldened by the 
vigorous proceedings of the duke, his bigoted fecclesi- 
astics raged against the Lutherans faith increased vio- 
lence and rancor. In Flanders, the persecution was 
extreme. Many, on account of their adherence to 
Lutheranism, were either put to death, or deprived 
of their property by the most tyrannical proceedings. 
In proportion as the tempest thickened, and daily 
grew more dangerous^ our Reformer stood in need of 
fresh supplies of courage and activity. The perse- 
cutors were powerful and active, and meditated the 
destruction both of the teacher and his followers* 
Their ears were deaf to the expostulations of reason^ 
and their hearts hardened against the cries of human- 
ity. But relying on an arm of everlasting strength, 
Luther labored, with persevering industry, to im- 

Eress important truths on the minds of the people. — 
distinct in his conceptions, eloquent in expressing 
them, and fearless of danger ; he confounded his ad- 
versaries, instructed the ignorant, and every day 
brought proselytes to the simplicity of the gospel. 

Leo X. died in the year 1521 ; and was succeeded 
by Adrian, a man of far greater sobriety and purity of 
manners, than had, for a long time, been known among 
the pontiffs. Adrian was, however, virulent in his 
opposition to thfe Reformation, and sent a legate to 
the imperial diet, then assembled at Nuremburg, with 
a diploma addressed to the German princes. In this 
diploma, or brieve, he inserted the most virulent in- 
vectives against Luther ; exhorted them to execute 
the sentence pronounced against him by the edict of 
Worms, extinguish the devouring heresy, and bring 
back, to a sense of his duty, the archheretic and his 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 251 

abettors. But the German princes could not be fright- 
ened into an act of such flagrant injustice. They had 
been brought to see the light, and took a bold and re- 
solute stand against the prince of darkness. They 
told the pope's nuncio, that Luther was held in high 
estimation among the people, that if any harsh mea- 
sures should be adopted, there would soon be a gene- 
ral outcry ; the people would interpret such a proce- 
dure as a certain prelude to the suppression of evan- 
gelical light and truth; and Germany would be involved 
in tumults, rebellions, and civil wars. At the same 
time, they advised the pope to attend to a multitude 
of other evils ; and, as the most efficacious remedy, to 
appoint a free, godly, and Christian council, give each 
member free liberty to advise for the glory of God and 
the salvation of souls ; and then they sent an accusa- 
tion of an hundred grievances to the court of Rome. 

The transactions of Nuremburg were favorable to 
the Reformation, and at the same time, produced 
much discontent at Rome. The pope was, on the one 
hand, astonished at the obstinacy of the Reformers ; 
and on the other, disgusted with the dissolute manners 
of his courtiers ; and not being able to correct either 
the one or the other, sincerely wished himself in a 
more humble station. He died a short time after 
receiving an account of what had passed at Nuremburg. 

The Saxon Elector and the Saxon Reformer soon 
after found themselves in the most perilous situation. 
A combination was formed by the pope, the emperor, 
and the bigoted German princes, for the express pur- 
pose of crushing the infant Reformation, and every 
power, that was friendly to its progress. However, 
these clouds of adversity were dispersed by the wise 
disposition of that Providence, which had determined 
to break the rod of oppression, and bestow on the na- 
tions the blessing of Christian liberty. The emperor 
was too much involved in schemes of ambition to give 
any serious attention to the contests in Germany ; and 
22* 



25& THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XV 1% 

without his co-operation, the rest of the confederates 
could effect nothing decisive. The apprehensions of 
Frederic, and his ministers, respecting their safety, 
were relieved; and the patient and industrious Reform- 
ers had only to struggle with their usual difficulties. 

During this trying scene the Saxon champion look- 
ed continually to the protection of that Being, on 
whom he relied ; and exhibited a noble example of 
Christian faith, courage, and resignation. 

Charles V. began, at this time, to astonish all Eu- 
rope with the blaze of secular glory ; and was, at the 
same time, cruelly persecuting the people of God 
throughout Flanders. But the Christian reader, who 
linds no satisfaction in contemplating such scenes of 
ambition and cruelty, w 7 ill turn from them, and behold 
the light of gospel truth, which began, at this time to 
dawn on the more distant nations of Europe. 

In the year 1522, at the request of Christiern II. 
king of Denmark, a preacher, named Martin, was 
sent from Wittemburg ; and his evangelical labors, 
among the Danes, received the royal approbation and 
encouragement. Under Christiern III. the blessed 
change of the religious establishment was complete in 
that kingdom. 

In Sweden the renowned Gustavus Vasa, (having 
in youth lived in exile, and received instruction from 
the Reformers,) no sooner found himself in firm pos- 
session of the throne, than he determined to reform 
the church. He caused the Scriptures to be transla- 
ted into the Swedish language, and omitted no means 
•for enlightening the minds of the people. The effects 
were rapid, salutary, and decisive; and Sweden, fron> 
that day, has ranked invariably among the Protestant 
nations. 

In the year 1522, the news of the glorious Reforma- 
tion had reached Hungary, and excited, in the minds 
of that people, a desire to be released from the chains 
of Papal darkness, and made partakers of a religion. 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 23.9 

rmdefiled with superstition and idolatry. Several 
young students of that country resorted to Witt em- 
burg ; and having received instruction from the voice 
and pen of Luther, returned to their country, and 
erected the standard of Christian liberty. Numbers 
flocked around it ; a considerable reformation took 
place in different parts of the kingdom ; and Hungary 
was blessed with refreshing beams of gospel light. 

Thus we see nations released from the bondage of 
popery, exulting in Christian light and liberty. The 
glorious Reformation continued to spread far and 
wide ; almost all the European nations hailed the 
dawn of truth, and exulted in the prospect of spiritual 
freedom. 

In the year 1523, Faber, Favel, and a few others, 
began to sow the seeds of Christianity in France. 
But the Helvetic and Calvinistic denominations soon 
became so prevalent, as almost to exclude Lutheran- 
ism from the nation. In the origin of these denomi- 
nations, as distinguished from Lutheranism, there ex- 
isted no material difference of sentiment. However, 
a small difference arose, concerning the manner, in 
which the body and blood of Christ were present in 
the eucharist, and in a few years grew into a violent 
and tedious controversy. This dispute, which has 
been termed the sacramentary contest, produced the 
most deplorable animosities; and terminated at length 
in a fatal division of those sincere friends of the Re- 
formation, who had embarked in the same cause, and 
who equally possessed the essentials of godliness. 

Luther rejected the doctrine of Transubstantiation ; 
but nevertheless, maintained, that with the elements 
of bread and wine, the real body #nd blood of Christ 
were received by the partakers of the Lord's Supper, 
His tirst and most violent opposer was Carolstadt. 

During the same year, that the light of the Refor- 
mation first dawned upon France, John Brisman was 
called by Providence, to assist in spreading tie glad 



S60 THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XVI, 

tidings of salvation in Prussia. In the autumn of the 
year, this pious divine preached the first evangelical 
sermon, that was heard at Koningsburg, and continued 
to labor in that part of the country for many years, to 
the great advantage of Christian truth and liberty. 

In the same year, also, Julius de Medicis succeed- 
ed Adrian in the popedom. At another diet held at 
Nuremburg, a second attempt was made, by the pope 
and emperor, to enforce the edict of Worms. But 
the bold and intrepid resolution of the Germans ren- 
dered abortive their attempts ; and Luther's personal 
safety, instead of being endangered, was abundantly 
meliorated. 

Never, perhaps, were the resolutions of any as- 
sembly received with less approbation, than those of 
this, diet at Nuremburg. The emperor expressed his 
utmost indignation at what had passed ; and the news-, 
at Rome, produced the greatest alarm and astonish- 
ment. 

These proceedings occasioned the division of Ger- 
many into two great parties, weakened the forces of 
the empire ; laid the foundations of many incurable 
suspicions and jealousies; but was nevertheless, tinder 
Providence, extremely favorable to the Reformation. 

During this turbulent season, and amidst many pri- 
vate afflictions, Luther stood constantly at the helm 
of the infant Protestant churches, and directed their 
course, with a watchful eye. He sent into Prussia 
faithful laborers, whopreaehed with such glorious suc- 
cess, that in a letter to a friend, Luther says, u By the 
united efforts of the prince and the bishop ; and 
through the wonderful and inexpressible goodness of 
God, the gospel moves in full sail through Prussia." 

During the years 1524, and 1525, the situation of 
Germany was alarming beyond description. The 
several kingdoms and states were at variance res- 
pecting the grand tenets of the whole papal system ; 
intestine divisions existed, even among the reformers 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 261 

themselves; and in addition to these, immense crowds 
cf ignorant and seditious peasants, associated with 
multitudes of licentious and dissolute enthusiasts, be- 
came so outrageous, that there was an almost certain 
prospect of an immediate civil war. 

In the year 1525, this war commenced. A prodi- 
gious multitude indifferent parts of Germany arose, 
suddenly took arms against their lawful governors, 
and were guilty of the most horrid and barbarous ac- 
tions. Their leader was the enthusiastic Munzer. 
He availed himself of the troubled state of the em- 
pire, and put himself at the head of the numerous and 
disconcerted rabble; inflamed their passions by violent 
harangues, and by pretending to foresee certain success, 
rendered them altogether desperate, and outrageous. 

At this interesting crisis, Luther wrote to the prin- 
ces, magistrates, and people, exhorting them to fear 
God, and beware of sedition, and every heinous crime. 
His exhortations, however, did not avail to suppress 
the rising spirit of tumult and rebellion ; the tempest 
appeared rather to thicken and portend a dreadful 
storm. The fanatical insurgents pulled down monas- 
teries, castles and houses, murdered the nobles and 
dignitaries, and were guilty of multiplied acts of trea- 
son and barbarity. 

The princes of the empire alarmed at their sedi- 
tious cruelty, united their forces for the suppressioa 
and punishment of the insurgents. After a dreadful 
carnage, a vast multitude of the faction were met by 
the confederate princes, defeated in a pitched battle, 
and Munzer, their ringleader, taken and put to death. 

This desolating war cost Germany the lives of more 
than 50,000 men. 

The good elector of Saxony departed this life oa 
the fifth of May, 1525, ten days before the defeat of 
Munzer. There is great reason to believe, that h$ 
Aie&'vi the faith, hope, aud humility of the gospel 



CHAPTER VI 



MARRIAGE OF LUTHER. 



The celibacy of the clergy was a subject, which 
very much agitated the mind of our Reformer. His 
tender conscience labored, for a long time, respecting 
the obligation of voluntary monastic vows. At length 
he became fully convinced, that they ought not to be 
observed ; and from his Patmos issued that admirable 
tract on the subject, which gave a fatal blow to the 
whole papal system. 

Convinced that it was his duty to instruct by exam- 
ple, as well as by precept, in the year 1525, Luther 
threw ofFhis monastic vows, and entered into the ma- 
trimonial state. In a letter to a friend, he says, " In 
the opinion of some, I have made myself contemptible; 
tut nevertheless, I trust angels smile, and demon* 
weep, at what I have done." 

It is astonishing how his enemies exulted on the oc- 
casion. They condemned him as a hardened sensual- 
ist, who had neither command of his passions, nor re- 
gard for his reputation. Some of his friends were 
exceedingly alarmed, and even wept on the occasion. 
But through the labors of Luther, and those of his 
Wittemburg coadjutors, the understandings of men 
were so much enlightened, and their prejudices so 
abated, that his example was soon followed bv man^ 
of the clergv. 



CHAPTER VII. 



CONTROVERSY WITH ERASMUS. 

Every student versed in the history of the Refor- 
mation, finds both instruction and amusement, in ob- 
serving the conduct of Erasmus. On his merits, as 
a restorer of learning, it is scarcely possible to ex- 
press ourselves too strongly. His well earned ho- 
nors, in that respect, are beyond the reach either of 
calumny or envy. It is the purity of his Christian 
principles, and the integrity and conscientiousness of 
his motives, which are called in question. 

The weak side of Erasmus was a disposition, at all 
times, to court the favor of persons of rank and dis- 
I tinctioa; and it was through their incessant importuni- 
ties, that he was at length prevailed on, though with 
much 'reluctance, to enter the lists against Luther. 
The papal advocates, who had hitherto* appeared in 
the controversy, had done their own cause no good. — 
The reformers were every day growing more bold and 
numerous The ancient hierarchy was shaken to its 
very foundation, ami it was become sufficiently mani- 
fest, that neither ecclesiastical menaces, nor ecclesias- 
tical punishments, could retard the progress of the 
new doctrines. The wisest and most moderate of the 
Roman Catholics, saw plainly that the church had losV 
much of its credit with the people in general, and that 
nothing could materially serve their cause, but what 
would tend to regain the public opinion. For the pur- 
pose of accomplishing so important an object, they all, 
to a. man, fixed their eyes on Erasmus. Not anxious 
respecting his private sentiments in religion, they were 
fully convinced of his qualifications for the task, they 
wished him to undertake. An extensive erudition, a 
perspicuous and eloquent style, and especially an 



264 THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XVI. 

exquisite vein of sarcastic humor, eminently prepared 
this celebrated scholar, as the proper champion to en- 
gage Luther. Accordingly, neither pains nor artifice 
were spared to secure his services. Princes, and pre- 
lates, and cardinals, and even the pope himself, were 
most assiduous in touching those strings, the vibrations 
of which, they judged most likely to gratify his pride, 
stimulate his ambition, and awaken his natural timi- 
dity. These and similar multiplied and reiterated 
importunities, at length determined Erasmus to be- 
come an open adversary of the Reformers. 

No, man, that ever lived, perhaps, was less disposed 
than Luther, to temporize with his adversaries in es- 
sential points ; yet in the instance of Erasmus, it is ad- 
mitted, that he exercised extraordinary patience and 
forbearance. The reason is, Erasmus, by his writ- 
ings against monks and friars, had been of considerable 
service in abating the attachment of mankind to pope- 
ry. Moreover, he was one of the first literary cha- 
racters in the world, and well deserves the thairks of 
all, who haveti relish for classical learning. IS [ o won- 
der, therefore, that Luther, in the great business of 
the Reformation, should have been anxious to prevent 
so much weight from being placed in the opposite scale. 
But Erasmus grew every day more and more out of 
humor with the Lutherans. He had repeatedly de- 
clared that the church needed a reformation ; but he 
would never run any risk to forward the good cause. 
Hence, the Reformers became cold in their regards 
to him : and he, in return, beheld with pique and jea- 
lousy the rapid progress of the new system. Mutual 
abuse and accusation were the unavoidable conse- 
quence of this state of things. By some, Erasmus was 
libelled as a deserter of the faith, and a parasite, who 
paid his court to popes, prelates, and cardinals, and 
might be hired for a morsel of bread to any purpose. 

Hutten had taken the liberty of blaming Erasmus 
for paying too much regard to the court of Rome. This 



CENT. XVI. j THE REFORMATION. 265 

was a very tender point ; and the more provoking, 
first, because the fact was undeniable ; and secondly, 
because the Romish faction really disliked him almost 
as much as they did Luther; notwithstanding that, the 
ecclesiastical dignitaries gave him good words, and 
fair promises, for the purpose of persuading him to 
take a decided part against the great Reformer. 

Luther, by his sagacity, discovered distinctly the 
situation of the mind of Erasmus, thus puzzled, and 
distracted by a contrariety of motives. Reflecting on 
his character and situation, and hearing that he was 
about to publish his Diatribe, Luther, in an almost 
forlorn hope of persuading him to peace, determined, 
however, to make his last effort. For this purpose, 
he composed a memorable letter, quite in his own 
best style — clear, nervous, ingenuous, full of life, fire 
and spirit, and sent it to his classical adversary. It 
was a specimen of epistolary writing in perfect con- 
trast to the manner of Erasmus, and must have vex- 
ed him not a little. Erasmus was constrained to al- 
low that Martin Luther had written him a letter suf- 
ficiently civil ; but that, for fear of his calumniators, 
he did not dare to answer him with equal civility. 

In the Autumn of the year 1524, this elegant scho- 
lar published his dissertation, called the Diatribe, on 
the Freedom of the Will. 

The authority of Erasmus, and not his arguments, 
determined Luther to publish an answer to the Dia- 
tribe. His reply is entitled, u On the Bondage of 
the Will." This celebrated treatise made its ap- 
pearance toward the close of the year 1525 ; and pro- 
voked Erasmus the more, as it was in some measure 
unexpected. The work was received with avidity, 
and the booksellers of Wittemburg, Augsburg, and 
Nuremburg, strove who could produce their nume- 
rous editions the fastest. 

Though no man, in regard to beauty and elegance 
of style, will think of comparing Luther with Erasmus, 
23 



268 THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XVI. 

in general; yet, in this particular instance, Luther^s 
tract is abundantly more orderly, perspicuous, and 
nervous, than any of Erasmus' writings, on the same 
subject. 

On the whole, there canbe no doubt, but Luther was 
eventually the cause of much pain and vexation to 
Erasmus. His great admirers allow that the Dia- 
tribe is a feeble and timid production, and unworthy 
of its author. Accordingly, it gave offence to both 
parties, was esteemed by neither, and disappointed 
all the learned. 

From the voluminous writings of Erasmus, many 
passages may be produced which prove that his faith 
was extremely loose and desultory ; and his profes- 
sion of certain doctrines, the effect of custom and 
convenience, rather than of judgment and decision. 

His writings abound with humorous levities ; and 
of his contradictory declarations there is no end. 

Erasmus, Luther, and Melancthon, are unquestion- 
ably to be reckoned among the principal actors in the 
Reformation. The unhappy inconsistencies, which 
we have marked in the character of Erasmus, though 
extremely derogatory to his personal worth, in no 
wise weaken the proofs of the great advantages 
which the cause of Christian liberty derived from cer- 
tain parts of his labor. 

Of Melancthon, it may be said, that integrity, piety, 
and discretion, were parts of his character ; for these 
virtues posterity do him ample justice ; at the same 
time, no one who knows him, will consider him as a 
model either of unusual firmness, or extraordinary 
penetration.' The characters, both of Luther and of 
Erasmus, appear to have been much misunderstood. 
The asperity and positiveness of Luther, have had the 
effect of lowering him too much. The politeness 
and civility of Erasmus, have contributed to raise him 
loo high ; and the propensity of his religious senti- 
ments toward Pelagianism, secures him but too favor- 
able a reception with many modern divines. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

PROGRESS OF THE REFORMATION. 

John t , the new elector of Saxony, conducted the 
religious concerns of his dominions in a manner quite 
different from that of his brother and predecessor, 
Frederic. The latter connived at and tolerated, 
rather than avowed and established the alterations in- 
troduced by Luther, and his associates. But the 
former no sooner found himself in possession of the 
sovereign authority, than he exercised it with resolu- 
tion and activity ; formed new ecclesiastical constitu- 
tions, and modelled them on the principles of the 
great Reformer. 

Happily this excellent prince was well qualified, 
by nature, for the part which he had to act at this 
critical juncture. For though the elector, John, is 
no where celebrated for his profound skill in the sci- 
ence of politics, yet, his moral endowments and steady 
temper have procured him, with posterity, the illus- 
trious titles of the Good, and the Constant. 

John the Constant had a most excellent coadjutor 
in his own son, John Frederic ; who with the two 
names of his father, John, and his uncle, Frederic, 
seems to have possessed the united virtues of both. 

The new elector suffered nothing to come in com- 
petition with the Reformation, as an object of his con 
cern ; and as he was undoubtedly the .first prince ia 
Germany, who both openly resisted the Popish doc 
trifles and discipline, and established the new system 
of the Wittemburg theologian, he has been justly de- 
nominated the second Parent and Founder of the Lu- 
theran church. 

The laudable efforts of the elector and his son, 
were much encouraged by the friendly dispositions of 
(heir neighbor Philip, the landgrave of Hesse ; who 




268 THE REFORMATION. [CENT. 3tVl-. 

had declared, that rather than be a deserter from the 
word of God, he would lose his wealth, his domi- 
nions, and even his life. 

The magistrates of the several imperial cities 
adopted the Reformation inform. Innumerable towns 
followed the example of the cities ; and the extraor- 
dinary zeal, piety, and prudence of many of their 
bishops, are recorded with veneration in the annals of 
pure religion. 



CHAPTER IX. 



WRITINGS OF LUTHER. 

* Amidst the new ecclesiastical establishments and 
regulations, which Luther, under the auspices of the 
elector and his son, was rapidly introducing into Saxo- 
ny, he still found time for preaching the word of God, 
"and for producing various useful publications. 

In his directions for reading the Scriptures, he says, 
cc Let the Christian reader's first object always be to 
find out the literal meaning of the word of God ; for 
this, and this alone, is the whole foundation of faith 
and of christian theology. It is the very substance of 
Christianity ; the only thing which stands its ground in 
distress and temptation ; it is what overcomes the 
gates of hell, together with sin and death ; and tri- 
umphs, to the'praise and glory of God." 

One of Luther's great excellencies, as a divine, is 
the perspicuous and just order in which he constantly 
places the several doctrines of practical Christianity, 
and their effects. He is, on all occasions, solicitous to 
show, that the Christian life begins with, depends on, 
and is perfected through grace. 

On the epithet " Wonderful," applied to Christ, 
in Isaiah is. he makes the following observations £— 



CBJtfT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION, 269 

The man, whom he chooses to make truly godly, he 
causes first to feel himself almost a despairing sin- 
ner ; whom he chooses to make wise, he first makes a 
fool ; whom he chooses to make strong, he first ren- 
ders weak ; he delivers to death, the men whom he 
means to quicken ; he depresses to hell, whomsoever 
he intends to exalt to heaven. This is the Wonder- 
ful King, who is nearest those, ffoni whom he seems 
to he most remote." 

The sermons of Luther are very numerous ; hut it 
Would lengthen this work too much to produce ex- 
tracts from them. Most of his writings were pub- 
lished on the spur of the occasion, and have no pre- 
tension, in general, to the character of a correct and 
finished composition. On ordinary occasions, the Re- 
former certainly neglected his style. His mind was 
absorbed in objects infinitely more momentous. But 
he appears to have been roused to some attention, in 
this respect, by having to combat Erasmus ; and ac- 
cordingly he evinced, on that occasion, a considerable 
acquaintance with polite literature. 

A short time before Luther ventured to administer 
the Lord's Supper in the German language, he had 
the precaution to compose and print a very useful 
little book, containing thirty eight German hymns 
with their appropriate tunes, for the express purpose 
of conveying and fixing in the minds of the common 
people, religious instruction." 

The book was a summary of Christian doctrine, ex- 
pressed in* very neat and elegant German metre ; and 
so w r ell managed, that the harmony and modulation 
of the voice agreed with the words and sentiments, 
and tended to raise the correspondent affections in the 
minds of the singers. On this account the author has 
been called the true Orpheus of Germany. 

Luther's productions, relative to the sacramental 
controversy, can afford but little satisfaction to Chris- 
tian readers. We are compelled, indeed, in review- 
23? 



270 



THE REFORMATION. 



[CENT. XVI. 



ing them, to recognize that zeal, and fervor, and con- 
scientiousness, which ever marked the character of 
the great Reformer ; but alas ! all these excellent 
qualities were, in this instance, sadly sullied by a la- 
mentable obstinacy and perverseness of temper. 

For some time the leaven of contention had been 
deeply at work, and was now exerting its mischie- 
vous operations with greater strength and with less se- 
erecy. The absurd argumentation of Carolstadt had 
given Luther great advantage in the sacramentarian 
dispute ; but such able and learned divines as Zuingle 
and Oecolampadius, were not to be over-awed or si- 
lenced, either by the talents and knowledge, or by the 
authority and violence of Luther. As they were in a 
good cause, and were convinced both of the nonsense 
and of the non-necessity of having recourse to such a 
doctrine, as that of consubstantiation in the interpre- 
tation of Scripture, they resolved to oppose it with 
Srmness and perseverance. 

The excellent and learned Zuingle composed and 
published a very elaborate commentary on true and 
false religion ; in which he not only treats on all the 
great points, both of natural and revealed theology, 
but also on the controverted question between the 
Papists and Protestants, and among others, on the 
.meaning of the eucharist. This performance is a 
noble monument of the author's piety, learning, and 
intellectual powers, as well as a decisive proof of the 
blessed recovery of Christian truth in Switzerland. 

While Zuingle was thus opposing, at Zlirich, the 
Lutheran tenet of consubstantiation, Oecolampadius 
was employed in the same manner at Basil, and to 
say the least, displayed equal learning, piety, and 
moderation. 



• # 



■i 



CHAPTER X. 



EROGRESS OF THE REFORMATION, TILL THE DIET 
OF AUGSBURG, INCLUDING SOME ACCOUNT OF LU~ 
THER'S TEMPTATIONS. 

The avowed, and unequivocal support, afforded. to 
the Reformation by the new elector of Saxony, and 
the landgrave of Hesse, did not produce all the good 
effects which might have been expected from the wise 
and vigorous measures adopted by those illustrious 
princes. Their example, indeed, was followed by all 
the most enlightened princes of Germany, and in con- 
sequence, an improved union, more solid and better 
cemented than ever, took place among them. But 
the rest, who had hitherto shewn themselves averse 
to an open rupture, as soon as they clearly perceived 
that the Reformers designed to withdraw themselves 
from- the Romish communion, and reject the jurisdic- 
tion of the pontiff, instantly took tire at the very idea 
of such a basis of peace and concord. Some of them 
had stood neuter, during the violence of the religious 
differences, and others had joined the Lutherans in their 
complaints against certain abuses of the established 
church ; but none had ever once dreamed of entirely 
deserting the religious system of their ancestors ; and 
as a matters were fast advancing to a crisis, they 
thought it high time to make an open declaration of 
their attachment to the established hierarchy, and 
of their zeal and readiness to promote its interest. 

Thus the discordant princes of Germany arranged 
themselves into two distinct parties, each of which 
seemed resolutely determined to adhere to its own 
peculiar tenets. 

But there was this essential difference between the 
jpatrons of Popery and Lutheranisin, All the mea* 



# • 

Ml 



212 £*HE. REFORMATION. [CENT. XVI. 

sures of the latter were, in principle, purely defen- 
sive ; whereas the former meditated the complete 
extirpation of their adversaries ; and made no secret 
of declaring, that the only radical cure of the evil 
would be, to free the nation from the Lutheran here- 
sy, and from those who protected it. 

The Lutherans, alarmed at these proceedings, began 
to deliberate seriously, how they might best evade 
the blow, with which they were threatened by a 
powerful and bigoted confederacy. Various conven- 
tions of the princes w r ere heldin different places. — 
At Salfeld they came to this resolution, that it be- 
came them,, as Christians, to do every thing to pro- 
mote the glory of God, and to conform their practice 
to the revealed word. 

Meanwhile mandatory letters, from Charles V. to 
his brother and representative, Ferdinand, calling for 
a diet of the empire, increased both the discontent 
and the alarm tff all those German princes, w T ho fa- 
vored the reformation. The letters breathed nothing 
but destruction to the Lutherans, and the execution of 
the edict of Worms. He directed the diet to be held 
at Augsburg, on the next Michaelmas day; and private- 
ly, in a milder tone, requested the elector of Saxony 
to be present. But this prince, at the instance of the 
landgrave, resolved on a previous measure, admirably 
calculated to defeat the violent designs of the papal 
party. This measure consisted in forming a speedy 
association with all the moderate and well disposed 
states of the empire ; the object of which should be 
to concur in representing to Ferdinand the imminent 
danger there was, at this time, of exciting fresh and 
more formidable riots and seditions by any attempts 
to execute the edict of Worms ; and how abundantly 
more safe and wise it would be to come to an imme- 
diate settlement, respecting the religious differences. 

To these and similar measures must w T e ascribe the 
mild proceedings of the papal patizans at the diet of 



c-ENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATIO*. 273 

Augsburg. That assembly did not meet till the month 
of November, and from the advanced state of the sea- 
son and other causes, was but thinly attended. The 
diet was prorogued till the next year, to be then held 
at Spires. So far from directing the edict of Worms 
to be enforced, they satisfied themselves with repeat- 
ing the evasive decree of Nuremburg ; which, in ge- 
neral, enjoined the clergy to introduce no novel doc- 
trines, but to preach the pure gospel, as it had been 
understood by the great body of Christians, to consult 
for peace and harmony, and to do all for the glory of 
God. 

This appearance of lenity and moderation, was 
however, deceitful ; being founded, not on any solid 
principles of justice and religion, but merely in the 
temporary fear of tumult and sedition. Even during 
the sittings of the late diet, the ecclesiastical princes 
had shewn themselves much elevated with the recent 
victories over the rebellious peasants, and in conse- 
quence, more disposed to violent and sanguinary mea- 
sures. Thus the present calm was considered by the 
more judicious and thinking Protestants, only as a pre- 
lude to a tempest, shortly to be raised by all the pow- 
ers of the established hierarchy, for the purpose of 
crushing effectually, not only the Saxon Reformer and 
his petty adherents at Wittemburg, but every Ger- 
man prince and state which had dared to oppose or 
dissent from the communion of the Roman church. 

Besides, there were other reasons, which would 
naturally fill the minds of the Protestants with dis* 
quieting suspicions and apprehensions. So imbittered 
was the church of Rome against what they called the 
Lutheran heresy, that in every treaty which the pope 
had of late concluded with foreign powers, the abso- 
lute destruction and extirpation of all Lutherans was 
a specific article. 

Another source of anxiety and alarm to the Protes- 
tant confederate princes was, the steady co-operation; 
q{ Charles V. with the pope's tyrannical designs, 



i*i4 THE REFORMATION. [CEN-T. XVf. 

Alarmed fay these appearances, those resolute and 
spirited Protestants, the elector of Saxony, and the 
landgrave of Hesse, met at Torgau, and there agreed 
on a treaty of mutual defence. Their next step was 
to invite others to join in the alliance. They ap- 
pointed a second meeting at Magdeburg ; there as- 
sembled, and again subscribed the same treaty with 
the addition of a considerable number of princes who 
followed their example. 

The Magdeburg treaty, as it is called, does honor 
to the cause of the gospel, is worthy the courageous 
Christian characters who joined in it, and seetns to 
have been the foundation of the famous league, which 
was afterward formed at Smallcald. 

The federalists begin with praising God for his ex- 
traordinary providence, his great, and his unspeaka- 
ble mercy, in having bestowed on them his sacred 
word, which is the only true comfort, the real food of 
the soul, and the greatest treasure in the world. — 
They then proceed to relate theammerous and power- 
ful machinations, with which, to the present moment* 
they have been disturbed, especially by the clergy and 
their adherents, whose object it was to deprive the peo- 
ple of the use of the Holy Scriptures, and of those com- 
forts, which the Scriptures aiford to the heart and 
conscience. They express a hope, that God will con- 
tinue to them this great blessing, the Bible. They 
were convinced, they said, by the information which 
they received from all quarters, that factions were 
forming, leagues and treaties entered into, and money 
collected, and all this for the purpose of extinguishing 
the truth of divine revelation, and of waging war 
against those princes and rulers, who felt themselves 
bound in duty and conscience to profess and protect the 
gospel in their dominions. Impelled, therefore, by 
their own consciences, and a sense of their duty to 
God, it was for the reasons above mentioned, that 
without meaning to offend any one, they had mutually 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 257 

agreed on a plan of pure defence against the war 
and Violence, with which they appeared ta be threat- 
ened ; and they hereby engaged to unite and exert 
every power they 1 possessed against all those, who, 
under any pretence whatever*, should attack them on 
account of their religion. 

The diet assembled at Spires in the end of June, 
1526, and was unusually well attended. All the 
electors, except one, namely, that of Brandenburg, 
were present; 

At the opening of the diet, the emperor's represen- 
tative informed the members, that it was the pleasure 
of his imperial highness, that in the first place, they 
should proceed to determine the best method of se- 
curing the Christian religion, and the ancient usages 
of the church ; then, how they should punish offenders, 
and compel to obedience such as forcibly resisted their 
injunctions; also, how they could unite their mutual 
and effective efforts to procure the execution of the 
edict of Worms, which was now of live years stand- 

Most of the deputies answered in writing, that it 
had' been fully proved to the pope's legate, in a for* 
mer diet, that 1< was then absolutely impossible to 
execute the edict of Worms, that now the attempt 
was become abundantly more difficult : because the 
religious disputes were daily increasing. 

After many violent and unprincipled proceedings by 
the Romish adherents, the Reformers, at last, sug- 
gested the following expedient, which was consented 
to by the whole assembly; namely, that the welfare of 
religion, and the maintenance of the public peace, 
made it necessary, that a general, or at least a na- 
tional council, should be called, to commence within 
the space of a year ; that the emperor shouli, by a 
solemn address, be requested to procure such a coun- 
til ; and that in regard to ecclesiastical concerns, and 
the edict of Worms, the princes and states, should. 



276 THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XVI, 

in the mean time, Undertake so to conduct themselves 
in their respective provinces, as to give to God and 
the emperor a good account of their administration. 

Thus terminated, in a manner more advantageous 
to the Lutherans, than they could have expected, the 
diet of Spires. The resolution of the recess, it is 
true, was but evasive ; yet such were the existing 
circumstances, that a truce of this sort answered all 
the purposes, which the most zealous friends of the 
Reformation could desire. Their divines preached 
and wrote with greater confidence and less molesta- 
tion ; and the anti-papal dispositions increased both in 
strength and numbers. 

The blessed calm, which the church enjoyed after 
the diet of Spires, did not extend beyond those pro- 
vinces and districts, which were under the jurisdiction 
of such princes and governors, as were favorable to 
the propagation of Christian truth and liberty. In 
Bohemia -and Hungary, Ferdinand, now king of both 
countries, raged against the Lutherans with all the 
fury which paj%I ignorance and superstition, exaspe- 
rated by opposition, could inspire. The rigor of the 
persecution in Bohemia may be inferred from a single 
instance. A person named Nicolas Tornar, and a 
w^idow of sixty years, named Clara, suffered death in 
the ilames, merely because they denied their belief 
in the corporeal presence of Christ in the sacrament. 

At Munich, the capital of Bavaria, George Carpen- 
ter was burnt alive in 1527, because he refused to 
subscribe to the Romish corruptions. While in the 
flames some of his pious friends requested him to 
give them a sign of the firmness of his mind ; he an- 
swered in these memorable w r ords, u Let this be 
looked upon by you as the most certain sign of the 
steadiness of my faith ; that as long as I am able to 
open my mouth, or even to mutter, I will never cease 
to praise God, and confess the name of cur Redeem- 
er." 



■; 



CENT. XVI. j THE REFORMATION. %Yi 

But one of the most affecting stories of this kind, 
is the martyrdom of Leonard Caesar, in the same year. 
He was born in Bavaria, and having begun to preach 
the gospel, was summoned to Passau to answer for his 
conduct. There, by imprisonment and menaces, he 
was at length induced to recant, was dismissed, and 
allowed to officiate again. Leonard, however, was so 
upbraided by his own conscience, and inwardly asha- 
med of his unfaithfulness, that, in about six months, he 
quitted his station, and visited Wittemburg and other 
places, where evangelical liberty flourished. After 
two years abseuce, hearing that his father was at the 
point of death, he ventured to return to his own coun- 
try, where the minister of the village betrayed him. 
Leonard was carried to Passau and there imprisoned, 
during ten weeks, before he underwent the least ex- 
amination. At length, when reduced to a very weak 
condition, he was called upon to answer hastily, to a. 
variety of questions, read to him by the famous Ecki- 
us of Ingolstadt, who had been sent for on purpose ta 
interrogate, confound, and overawe the poor heretic. 
His own relations earnestly solicited him to retract ; 
but finding that in vain, they begged he might be al- 
lowed to have an advocate, and also a month's respite 
to recruit his feeble, debilitated frame. All was re- 
fused by the popish rulers ; and Leonard was brought 
publicly before a solemn tribunal. Then it was, that 
the persecuted prisoner armed with divine strength, 
arose formidable to the powers of darkness, and de- 
fended the doctrines, he professed, with prodigious 
spirit and animation. He was frequently interrupted 
by the officer of the court, and told that he was not 
brought there to preach. The grand protestant doc- 
trines were the articles he maintained. " Faith 
alone," said he, "justifies ; works are the evidences 
of faith; but in the act of justification, works are as 
distinct from faith, as heaven is from earth. The 
mass is no sacrifice ; neither is there any sacrifice for 
sin, except the blood of Christ.' 7 
24 



2^8 THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XVI. 

This good martyr wrote from his prison to his friend 
Stifelius, in strains of the most unaffected piety, 
thanking God, who honored, as he called himself, his 
most unworthy servant, and the greatest of sinners, 
with such an opportunity to confess his precious name, 
blessed forever. He entreated his dear brother in 
Christ to pray for him, that he might remain steadfast 
imtothe end. Much pains were taken to procure his 
release and dismission. Noblemen of the first dis- 
tinction, even the elector of Saxony himself, interce- 
ded with the Potentates of Bavaria, but all to no pur- 
pose. The Popish hierarchy proceeded to degrade 
him, and then gave him up to the civil magistrate ; 
but not without first going through the usual mockery 
of praying that his life might be spared. His mourn- 
ful relations, entirely against his own wishes, made 
their last effort to obtain the poor favor that their 
kinsman might be allowed to die by the sword instead 
of the flames. But the stern duke of Bavaria, issued 
a preremptory mandate a for committing the incorri- 
gible heretic to the flames." 

The man's patience and constancy in prayer, the ar-_ 
dor of his soul, and his confidence toward God are in- 
describable. When the dreadful moment came, and 
he was placed on the pile, he said, " Lord Jesus, 
partake in my sufferings ; support me, give me 
strength;" and lastly, as soon as the fire began to burn, 
he cried with a loud voice, " Save me Jesus, I am 
thine ;" and soon expired. Luther was vehemently 
affected with this tragedy , and professed himself 
ashamed, as he had done on former occasions, that he 
had not yet been thought worthy of martyrdom* 
" Oh, 5 ' said he, " that I might witness such a confes- 
sion, and suffer such a death ! But God's will be 
done! Oh, ye persecutors, if ye thirst after blood 
and carnage, why do ye not turn your arms against the 
Turks ? "For, after ail, ye cannot oppress the cause 
of God. I gave Gamaliel's advice, when I was be- 
fore the emperor at Worms ; but all is in vain." 



C£NT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 279 

To their common friend Stifelius, he speaks thus 
ef the death of Leonard. "Oh wretched me, how 
far below this man am I ! I am a wordy preacher, 
he a powerful performer. May Christ grant that we 
may be enabled to imitate this holy character !" 

But Providence had designed trials for Luther more 
calculated to humble and subdue his spirit, and to 
perfect the strength of God in his weakness, than 
even martyrdom itself. The uncommon success with 
which his labors had been crowned, the celebrity of 
his character, the favor of princes and nobles, and the 
admiration, in which he was held by all the professors 
of evangelical truth, were circumstances, which had 
a strong tendency to exalt him in his own eyes ; es- 
pecially, when the native firmness and intrepidity of 
his temper are taken into the account. I» faot, w 
ever, this extraordinary man was never without a 
thorn in the flesh, which proved an effectual counter- 
poise to all his attachments, and all his successes, and 
prevented him from being " exalted above measure." 
What was the nature of that thorn in the flesh, which 
disturbed the tranquility of St. Paul, it may not be 
easy to form even a probable conjecture ; but in re- 
gard to Luther, his case may be understood without 
much difficulty by those, who are conversant with his 
writings, and who themselves have, in some degree, 
tasted of the grace of God in the Christian life. It 
was not a propensity to carnal gratification, but to a pe- 
culiar species of spiritual pride and self-righteousness. 

While for a few moments we listen to Luther dis- 
closing the secret weakness and distress of his soul ; 
let us keep in mind, that this is the very same man, 
who was every day bidding open defiance to the 
greatest powers of Europe, and voluntarily hazarding 
his life for the sake of Christian truth and liberty. 

"My sins have brought upon me the heavy wrath 
of God. It is not enough thai the pope, the emperor, 
the princes, and bishops, should aim at my life, but my 



£60 THE REFORMATION, [CENT. XVI* 

religious brethren also, must torment my spirit. My 
sins, and all the powers of death, satan and his angels, 
rage without ceasing. And what is my hope ?— I say 5 
if Christ should forsake me, I am undone. But he 
never will forsake such a poor miserable sinner. 
Mine enemies are mighty ; and add affliction to afflic- 
tion, now that I am under the divine chastisement. 
But enough ; let me not be querulous or impatient un- 
der the rod of him, who smites and heals ; who kills 
and makes alive. Blessed be his holy will ! When 
the world, and the prince of the world, hate me in this 
manner, it is surely some proof that I belong to 
Christ. My present trials are great ; but the All- 
powerful One has done great things fdr me. May 
Christ, whose pure doctrine 1 have taught, and openly 
arovrod, ko ujj rock, and my fortress ! Amen." 

To another he says, "It so pleases God, that I, 
who have been accustomed to comfort others, do my- 
self stand in need of consolation. I have but one 
prayer, and I beseech you join with me in it ; — that 
whatever Christ may be pleased to do with me, he 
wouldpreserve me from ungratefully rebelling against 
him, whom I have hitherto preached and served w ith 
so much zeal ; though, at the same time, I have of- 
fended him by many great sins. I still hope he will 
forgive me, and say, ' I am thy salvation. 5 " 

" There is nothing that my sins do not deserve; but 
nevertheless, I have comfort in the thought, that I 
have taught the gospel of Christ, in godly sincerity, 
to the salvation of many souls. This galls Satan; and 
he w'ould destroy me together with the word itself. 
While others are called to the stake by the cruel ty- 
rants, I suffer internally in spirit from the prince of This 
world. May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ 
perfect in me his holy will ! Oh ! how precious and 
delightful is the secret contemplation of his will !" 

: u So may Christ comfort you," says Luther to his 
beloved friend Husman, " as you comfort me, I 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 281 

thank my God, that Satan, with all his wonderful 
craft and all his powerful exertions, hath not yet been 
able to gain his will upon me. This is no ordinary 
temptation ; and so skilful is the wicked one in per- 
verting the Scriptures, that my own knowledge of the 
sacred writings fails me on this occasion ; I stand in 
need of the help of my friends, and I am thankful for 
their consolatory communications. I open my case to 
you, in this manner, that you may pray the more ear- 
nestly for me ; and may also yourself, in like circum- 
stances, if ever they should happen, be aware of tho 
depths of Satan." 

In the midst of his humiliation and confession of sin,, 
we find Luther repeatedly taking comfort, as holy 
David did, from a consciousness of the integrity and 
purity of his motives. Thus to his friend Melancthon ; 
*'Pray for me. I am a miserable abject worm of the 
earth, distracted with sorrow. But as this is the good 
will of the Father of mercies, glory be to him, what- 
ever be my sufferings. In regard to myself, there is 
but one thing on which I lay any stress ; namely, that 
I have ever taught the word of God in its purity; and 
on no occasion corrupted the truth, either through a 
love of glory or gain." 

To another friend, he says, u Be serious In your 
prayers for me, that Christ may not leave me destitute; 
for I am utterly without strength. I am sensible, that 
I stand in need of temptations, that God may be glorifi- 
ed in me, and that I may be humbled ; and I have still 
a good hope, that Christ will accept me, though I have- 
listened, and do listen too much to the devices of Satan, 
It is astonishing how Ire can tranform himself, not to 
say into an angel of light, but into Christ himself. I 
am compelled to own his power ; for he is outrageous 
in his attacks upon me. But Christ has faithfully 
preserved me, and will preserve me unto the end." - 

The history of Luther relative to his extreme suf- 
ferings, in the course of these temptations, does not 
depend entirely on the descriptions contained in fas 
24* 



■282 



THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XVI. 



own letters to his friends. Eugenhagius of Pomerania 
andJustus Jonas, were present, during one of the 
most severe attacks ; and were so much affected by 
what they saw and heard, that they committed to wri- 
ting some of the most material circumstances. 

It appears, however, clear that intense distress and 
agitation of spirit had laid hold of our Reformer more 
than six months before that very remarkable seizure, 
which they described. For he writes thus to Jonas on 
the 26th of December, 1526. " Oh my Jonas, pray 
for me, sympathize with me, in the agonies I undergo. 
The temptation is sometimes less, but returns again 
with greater fury. May Christ never forsake me I 
May he chastise me as a son, but not punish me as a 
rebel. May I be strong in the faith even unto the end. " 

The narratives of Eugenhagius and Jonas relate to 
*what happened on the sixth of the succeeding July ; 
when the mind of Luther must, of necessity, have 
been much "broken down by the length and accumula- 
tion of his afflictions. To transcribe the whole would 
detain us too long ; but some remarkable parts of it 
may well deserve notice. 

Their account is this. About eight o'clock, in the 
morning of Saturday the sixth of July, Bugenhagius 
was alarmed at being hastily sent for by Luther. He 
found him, however, in conversation with his wife, and 
looking just as usual. It seems, he had, that morn- 
ing, experienced a most tremendous temptation, en- 
tirely of a spiritual nature ; and was seriously appre- 
hensive, that if the hand of God should again be so 
heavy upon him, he could not survive the attack. On 
the whole, he suspected, he was about to die; and re- 
tired privately, w r ith his friend Bugenhagius, the pa- 
rish minister, into his chamber, and there in secret 
committed every thing to God, and solemnly confess- 
ed his sins ; and then, says the writer, my master en- 
treated me, his pupil, to give him a word of consolation 
from the Scripture- Afterwards, he recovered so 
far, as to be able to go out to dianer, and make the 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION* 28S 

company cheerful, as he always did. But in the eve«^ 
ning he was suddenly seized with a fainting fit ; and 
cried out, "Oh, doctor Jonas, I am sick, bring me 
water or whatever you have, or I am gone." Jonas 
in a fright snatched up some cold water, and threw it 
freely over him. At that moment, Luther was the 
very picture of death ; but soon after, he began te 
pray most intensely. — "If this be my last hour, O 
Lord, thy will be done ! Lord, rebuke me not in 
thine anger ; chasten me not in thy heavy displeasure. 
Have mercy upon me, O Lord. I would willingly 
have shed my blood in the cause of thy word — but 
perhaps, I am not worthy of that honor ; thy will be 
done ; only may thy name be glorified, whether by 
my death or my life. 55 

Then, in the most solemn manner, he recommended 
to the blessing of God, the ministry of the sacred gos- 
pel, which had hitherto been committed to his charge, 
Upon which, Bugenhagius, almost senseless from deep 
and anxious concern, interrupted him, by saying, 
" Among your other prayers, my doctor, let this be 
one, that it would please God to continue your life for 
the good of us poor creatures, and of many others. 5 ' 
" To die, replied Luther, w T ould be gain to me, 
but — 55 and then without finishing the sentence, he 
thus seriously addressed Justus Jonas and Bugenhagi- 
us. — -"The world delights in falsehood, and it will 
certainly be said, that I recanted my doctrines in the 
hour of death. I desire, therefore, you and Bugen- 
hagius to be witnesses of my confession of faith. I 
am perfectly satisfied, that the doctrines which I have 
taught, concerning faith, charity, the cross, and the 
sacraments, are verily agreeable to the word of God, 
I was led by Providence, and not voluntarily, to act the 
part I have acted, in the ministry. Many have blamed 
me for having been deficient in moderation ; however 
in some instances, there has been in me no want of 
moderation, but what may be justified ; and most as- 
suredly I have never ^tended harm to any person 



* £84 THE REFORMATION. [[CENT. XVK 

whatever. On the contrary, I have always wished 
to promote men's salvation, even the salvation of mine 
enemies. " 

After this, Luther gravely stated to the same per- 
sons his objections to the sacramentarians ; calling 
God to witness the sincerity of his heart, and lament- 
ing with tears the numerous sects that arose, and nei- 
ther spared the flock nor the w^ord of God. "What 
a bustle," said he, " will they raise after my death !" 
And then, with deep sighs and a vast effusion of tears, 
he confessed how intemperate he had been, at times, 
in his language, and appealed to Him who knows 
all things, that, in this, he had given way to the in- 
firmity of the flesh, thereby endeavoring to shake off 
the burden of his afflictions, but that his conscience 
did not reproach him with harboring any ill will. 

" Be ye my witnesses, however," said he, looking 
toward his two friends, "that on the subjects of re- 
pentance and justification, I recant nothing of wffat I 
have written against the pope. I feel that to be the 
gospel of God ; and though some may think I have 
been too harsh, or taken too great liberty, I do not re- 
pent in that matter." 

Luther then began to inquire after his child.— 
" Where is my dearest little John ?" The child was 
soon brought smiling to his father, who immediately 
commended his good little boy, as he called him, and 
his mother, his dearest Kate, to a good and gracious 
God- u Ye have no worldly goods," said he, "but 
God, who is the Father of the orphan, and judges the 
cause of the widow, will defend and keep you. I give 
thanks to thee, Lord God, that thy providence has 
made me indigent in this world. I have neither house, 
nor land, nor possession to leave. Thou hast blessed 
me with a wife and children, and these I return 
"back unto thee ; feed them, teach them, preserve 
them." 

To his wife he said, "My dearest Kate, if it is God's 
Y01 I request thee to submit to it ; thou art my wed- 



GENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 235 

ded wife ; this thou wilt never forget ; and let God's 
word be thy constant guide." 

His wife exhibited, on this trying occasion, extra- 
ordinary Christian fortitude. Almost heart-broken 
and frightened even to consternation, she yet preserv* 
ed a good hope in her countenance. She allowed that 
not only herself and child, but many other Christian 
people would experience a great loss ; but she entreat- 
ed her husband not to be uneasy on her account ; for if it 
really was God's will, that he should depart, she could 
submit to it cordially. She therefore commended 
him to the Lord God, under whose protection he could 
not fail to be safe. 

By the external application of warmth, and by th© 
use of cordial medicines internally, Luther soon recov- 
ered from immediate danger ; but such had been the 
violence of the paroxysin, that he experienced the de- 
bilitating effects of it during the remainder of the 
-year. 

On tKe Sabbath succeeding this memorable Satur- 
day, Luther declared to Jonas, that on comparing the 
agony of his mind, during the spiritual temptation in 
the morning of the preceding day, with his bodily afflic- 
tions in the evening, the latter had not been half so 
distressing as the former. He added, " Doctor, I 
must mark the day. I was yesterday at school." 

Similar trials of mind he afterwards endured, but 
none equally severe. Yet, during all these trials, 
Bugenhagius assures us, that Luther attended to every 
part of his duty, that he seldom omitted his public 
lectures, and generally preached on the Lord's day, 
Bugenhagius was frequently called during the hours 
of the night to visit him in his distress ; and repeated- 
ly heard him say, " The violence of the temptation 
stupifies me, that I cannot open my mouth ; as soon as 
ever it pleases God. that I can lift up my heart in 
prayer and make use of Scriptural expressions.; it 
ceases to prevail," 



2§6 th£ reformation. [cent, xvi, 

Bugenhagius tells us, that he found real satisfaction 
in being of some little service to Luthei , through 
whose instrumentality, God had been pleased to reveal 
to himself the gospel of his Son. 

Divine knowledge, the genuine conversion of souls, 
and the abolition of abominable superstition continued 
to progress, with no great interruption, for the space 
often or twelve years. 

The success of the gospel, if we. except the apos* 
tolic age, was perhaps, in this period, unexampled. 
Even in Italy, in a town called Fayenza, there was 
public preaching against the church of Rome, and the 
gospel increased daily. 

We are, however, not to forget, that, notwithstand- 
ing this blessed influence of the written word, persons, 
who openly avowed their conviction of the truth, were 
miserably exposed to persecution in all those places, 
where either the civil or the ecclesiastical ruler hap- 
pened to be an active and zealous Roman Catholic. 
The catalogue of the sufferers is very considerable. 
It may, however, suffice to add to the instances alrea- 
dy noticed a few others. 

In 1527, a Bohemian woman, after a confinement 
of almost a whole year, was cast into the flames, on 
account of two crimes laid to her charge. 

1. That by denying the corporeal presence of 
Christ's natural body, she had blasphemed the sacra- 
ment of the altar. 

2. That she had been rebaptized by John Kalens. 
The wooden cup, which Kalens had used in the ad- 
ministration of the Lord's Supper, was burnt with this 
heretic. 

Sometimes the evangelical preachers, when pro- 
scribed by papal cruelty, fled from their habitations to 
save their lives. There is on record, an admirable 
consolatory letter of Oecolampadius, written in 152S, 
to two persons of this description then in exile. a It 
would move a heart of adamant," says he> " my dear 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 281 

brethren, to think ofyour flocks, thus deprived of their 
faithful shepherds, dispersed and exposed to the 
wolves ; then to see the adversaries triumphing and 

ir iniquity ; and the weaker brethren, 
e on the very ere of renouncing popery, sud- 
denly alarmed, and apprehensive of a similar treatment, 
Add to this the dangers, the ignominy, the distresses of 
exile, which are sometimes more grievous than death 
itself. For exiles undergo a daily death. However, 
when we reflect, that God is faithful, and will not tempt 
us above what we are able to bear, but will regulate 
every thing according to the strength, which he is 
pleased to give, this consideration supplies an abun- 
dance of substantial consolation. Be assured, the 
Holy Ghost, who Iras anointed you for this contest, 
ivill not fail to preserve you from fainting in the af- 
flictions which ye undergo for the truth. Moreover, 
your silence, during your proscription, speaks louder, 
by much, to the hearts of God s children, than even 
your most animated sermons could do. Your present 
firmness fixes an invioiabie seal on the doctrines you 
have been teaching with so much piety. The blood 
of Abel has a voice; and so has your persecution a 
tongue. Away then with cowardice and lamentation. 
Happy the man who is conformed to the image of t lie 
cruciiied Saviour, whom we preach. Christ knows his 
sheep ; he will preserve them from the jaws of the 

f; and the exultations of hypocrites will be but 
for a moment." 

In France the persecution was dreadful. The Pa- 
',3d the king that all the misfortunes, with 

:h the country was afflicted, were owing to the 
mischievous heresy. In consequence, the most san- 
guinary laws were solemnly decreed against Luther- 

m ; and every one, who could be proved to favor 
that doctrine, was treated as a blasphemer. Yet this 

e prince, Francis I. notwithstanding the zeal with 
which his Catholic clergy availed to inspire him, had 



288 THE REFORMATIpN* CENT. XVI.] 

no objection, for the purpose of more effectually serv- 
ing his political schemes, to promote in Switzerland, 
that very reformation in religion, which he was labor- 
ing to expel from his own kingdom by fire and sword. 

In North Holland, a widow, named Windelmut, 
was seized, on account of her religion, carried to the 
Hague, there strangled, and afterwards burnt to ash- 
es. On her examination concerning the mass, she 
answered, fcC It w r as a piece of bread ;" and in regard 
to the images and pictures of saints, she confessed she 
knew r of no other Mediator but Jesus Christ. To one 
who told her, that she did not fear death, because she 
had not tasted it, this widow replied, u I shall never 
taste it ; for Christ has said, if any man keep my 
sayings, he shall never see death." She was then 
advised to confess her sins to a priest ; upon which, 
she cried aloud, u I have confessed all my sins to 
Christ my Lord, who takes away all sin. But if I 
have offended my neighbors, I heartily ask their for- 
giveness." She then went to the place of execution 
with meekness and courage. 

At Rotenburg many of the Anabaptists, both men 
and women, w r ere apprehended; and all put to death, 
that refused to recant their errors. Nine men were 
burnt ; ten women were drowned. But their leader 
was condemned in a public court of judicature, — to 
have his blasphemous tongue cut out by the execu- 
tioner ; to be tied to a curricle, and to have two pie- 
ces of his flesh torn from his body in the market place, 
by red hot pincers ; then to be torn again in the same 
manner five times on the road, as he w T as dragged to 
the burning pile. This sentence was executed on 
the 17th of May, 1527. 

Notwithstanding these dreadful narratives, which 
sufficiently demonstrate the cruel and unrelenting hos- 
tility of the Papal hierarchy, there is no doubt but 
the violence of the war between Francis I. and the 
emperor, and also the dissensions > between the empe- 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 289 

For and the pope, proved extremely favorable to the 
progress of the Reformation. For though the spirit 
of persecution was not in the least abated, yet it 
spent its chief fury on such defenceless individuals, as 
happened to fall into the cruel hands of bigotted ru- 
lers. The three potentates, above mentioned, were 
themselves beset with too many difficulties in their 
political affairs to give much serious and steady at- 
tention to the business of religion ; and their respec- 
tive interests were often so opposite and perplexed, 
as entirely to exclude all amicable concurrences in the 
formation of any general plan for the extirpation of 
heresy. In effect, it is by reflecting on these jarring 
interests, with an overruling Providence constantly in 
the mind, that we are enabled in some measure to ac- 
count, not only for the mild decree of the diet of 
Spires, in 152&, but also for the inefficiency of the 
succeeding attempts of the great Papal powers to 
stifle the revival of Christian truth and liberty. The 
pope, no doubt, was sincere in his desires to crush 
every symptom of growing Protestantism; but Charles 
V. had neither leisure nor inclination to gratify the 
wishes of a pontiffs who had so lately entered into an 
alliance against him with the French and the Vene- 
tians. The religion of this prince, so far as it was 
real, is supposed to have been Roman Catholic ; but 
whatever it was, he never suffered it to interfere with 
his ambitious schemes of secular aggrandizement. — ■ 
Even the pope himself ceased to have the least influ- 
ence with him, the moment the politics of the court 
of Rome appeared to thwart those of his imperial ma- 
jesty. On the other hand, the principles of Clement 
VII. were, in no degree, better. Under the pretence 
that hard and unjust terms had been extorted from the; 
king of France, while prisoner in Spain, Clement afe 
once absolved him from the oath, by which he was 
bound to execute the treaty of Madrid, and sent a per- 
son, both to congratulate him on his deliverance from' 
25 



290 THE REFORMATION, [GENT. XVl, 

captivity, and to settle a treaty against Charles ; and 
lastly, he despatched a brief to the emperor, full of 
accusation, invective, and menace. 

These proceedings of Clement VII. inflamed the 
resentment of the emperor to such a degree, that 
he abolished the authority of the Roman pontiff 
throughout all the Spanish dominions, made war upon 
him in Italy, laid siege to Rome, and blocked up Cle- 
ment himself in the castle of St. Angelo. There he 
was reduced to the extremity of feeding on asses' 
flesh, and at length compelled to capitulate on severe 
terms, and to remain a prisoner, till the chief articles 
were performed. 

But to their lasting shame be it recorded, that the 
jrfoment a prospect opened for the accommodation of 
their own respective political differences, both Cle- 
ment VII. and Charles V. concurred in wreaking their 
United vengeance on the defenders of the sacred cause 
of religion and liberty. 

The decree of the diet of Spires was equivalent to 
-a toleration of Luther's opinions in all the states, where 
those opinions were approved by their respective 
governors or magistrates ; but in 1529 a new diet 
was assembled at the same place, when the said 
decree was, by a majority of suffrages, so far revoked 
as to forbid all further propagation of novel opinions 
in religion. Those who had observed the execution 
of the edict of Worms, were ordered to continue the 
execution of it. Those who had changed their reli- 
gious system, and could not, without danger of sedi- 
tion, revert to the ancient usages, were to be quiet* 
<and make no farther innovation till the meeting of a 
council. The celebration of mass was not to be ob- 
structed in any place whatever ; and lastly, the Ana- 
baptistis were proscribed in the severest terms, and 
jaiade subject to capital punishment. 

Iniquitous as was the decree of the second diet of 
Spires 3 it would doubtless have been much more ri- 



GBNT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION, 291 

gorous and oppressive, if Charles had not been still at 
war with the French and his inveterate rival. Francis I. 
The recess of this diet is dated April ; and the peace 
of Cainbray, between the emperor and the king of 
France, was not concluded till the succeeding August. 
Fourteen imperial cities, with the elector of Saxo- 
ny, the marquis of Brandenburg, the dukes of Lunen- 
burg, and the prince of Anhalt at their head, in firm 
but moderate language, solemnly protested against 
the decree of the diet as unjust and intolerable ; and 
in every way calculated to produce discontent and tu- 
mult. Hence arose, for the first time, the denomiua* 
tion of protestants ; an honorable appellation, which, 
not only in Germany, but in other nations, is given to 
all those sects of Christians, who renounce the super- 
stitions of the papa? communion, 

The Protestant princes and protectors of the re- 
formed churches, were not satisfied with merely ex- 
pressing their dissent from the decree of the diet ; 
they also drew up -all their grievances in form, and 
appealed to the emperor, and to a future general 
council, or a lawful German council, and to ail impar- 
tial judges. Lastly, they fixed upon ambassadors, 
whom they directed to lay all their proceedings be- 
fore his imperial majesty. 

The German ambassadors were introduced to the 
emperor at Placentia, and there they executed their 
commission with a spirit and resolution, worthy of the 
princes whom they represented. Nothing, however, 
could be more discouraging than the reception they 
met with, from this haughty monarch. When he had 
heard their objections to the decree, and they had 
waited a full month for his answer, he told them that 
he exceedingly lamented their divisions ; but never- 
theless, insisted on obedience to the decree. He had 
written, he said, to the elector of Saxony and his as- 
sociates, and had commanded them, in conformity to 
their oaths, to obey the decree of the diet; and if they 



J93 



THE REFORMATION. 



[CENT. XVI, 



were refractory, he should be compelled, for the sake 
of example and good government, to punish such con- 
tumacy with severity. He asserted, that himself 
and the rest of the princes regarded the peace of their 
consciences and the salvation of their souls, as much 
as the Protestants could do ; and moreover, that he 
was also as desirous of a general council as they could 
be ; though, said he, there would not be so much oc- 
casion for it, provided the lawful decree of the diet, 
especially that of Worms, were duly enforced. 

On receiving this answer, the ambassadors produ- 
ced the act of appeal, as it had been drawn up at 
Spires, but Charles' minister, for some time, refused 
to deliver it to his master ; and afterwards, when he 
had ventured to present that spirited memorial, the 

stance of opposition to his will, that in a rage, he or- 
dered the German ambassadors to be put under an 
arrest for some days ; and on pain of death, neither to 
stir a foot from their apartments nor write a line to 
the Protestant princes. 

The account of this contemptuous and violent pro- 
ceeding of Charles V. soon found its way to Nurem- 
burg, and convinced the Protestant party that it was 
high time for them to consult for their protection 
against a powerful potentate, intoxicated with suc- 
cess, and irritated by opposition. 

Havino- met at several different places, their ulti- 
mate resolution was, u That each state should deli- 
berate for itself, and within the space of a month, 
transmit to the elector of Saxony its peculiar senti- 
ment ; in order that the Protestants at so critical a 
juncture might act in concert, both in regard to the 
common defence, and also the objects to be aimed at 
in the ensuing diet. 

On the 31st of January, 1530, Charles V. sent man- 
datory letters into Germany for the purpose of sum- 
moning a general diet of the empire, to be held at 
Augsburg, on the 8th of April . 



CEST. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 293 

At the same time, the Roman pontiff, with fire and 
sword in one hand, and artifice and corruption in the 
other, endeavored to extirpate the godly Protestants ; 
and meanwhile, with consummate hypocrisy, express- 
ed the most ardent wishes for peace and harmony, and 
the restoration of gospel principles in the church of 
Christ. 

John the Constant, the excellent elector of Saxony, 
was determined if possible, to procure for the Protes- 
tants a fair hearing at the diet of Augsburg. And with 
a view to prevent all loose and fugitive discussions in 
a business of such immense importance, and also to 
enable any equitable judge to see distinctly, all the 
leading points of religion, which had produced so 
many volumes of controversy, he wisely directed his 
Wittemburg divines to draw up, in a narrow compass, 
the heads of that religious system, which had produ* 
eed the separation from the Romish communion. 

For the execution of a work of so great moment, 
the Protestant princes employed the elegant and ac- 
curate pen of Melancthon ; the result of whose labors 
was a treatise, admired even by many of its enemies 
for its piety, learning, and perspicuity. This cele- 
brated performance is well known under the title of 
the Confession of Augsburg. 

The issue of the diet at Augsburg was deplorable, 
and led the Protestants to conclude, that the pope and 
emperor had resolved on their entire destruction ; and 
they looked on the publication of the new edict, which 
w r as in effect, severer than that of Worms, as the sig- 
nal for the commencement of more violent and barba- 
rous persecutions than any they had before experi- 
enced. 

The diet of Augsburg in 1530, forms a sort of era 
in the history of the Reformation ; fotii at present, we 
shall say no more concerning it, than — 1. That the 
German princes, the magnanimous defenders of th 
sacred cause, assembled fct Smakald toward t^ 
S3* 



2U 



THE REFORMATION 



[CENT. XVI* 



of the year, and there concluded a solemn alliance of 
mutual defence; and— 2. That some of the most wise 
and pious of the Protestant theologians, especially 
Melancthon, were so oppressed by the prospect of the 
calamities, which threatened the afflicted church of 
Christ, that they were almost ready to abandon the 
contest, and give themselves up to melancholy and la- 
mentation. 

But the Reformation, as we have seen, in spite of 
all the efforts of papal rage and malignity, did not 
cease to spread and prosper throughout various dis- 
tricts. Many instances indeed of the martyrdom of 
godly men might be added to the several catalogues 
already given ; but the good Protestants were accus- 
tomed to these sufferings, and bore them with extra- 
ordinary patience and fortitude. 

We shall conclude this volume with an observation 
or two on the conduct of Luther at the time of this 
very critical juncture. 

1 . Before the diet of Augsburg, in 1529, while the 
tempest of persecution was lowering on the faithful, 
this indefatigable servant of God was employed in 
publishing hfs lesser and greater catechism, which at 
this day are treatises of authority in the Lutheran 
churches. In the preface to each, he deplores the 
ignorance of the people at large, and asserts, that 
those, who know nothing of Christian principles, ought 
not even to be called by their name. He expatiates 
on the utility of catechising; recommends the frequent 
Use of it to masters of families ; cites his own exam- 
ple of attending to the first catechetical truths for the 
purpose of edification, notwithstanding the proficiency 
which, in a course of years, he might be supposed to 
have made-, and observes, that daily reading and me- 
ditation, among many other advantages, has this, that 
a new light and u^tion from the Holy Spirit is hence, 
from time to time, forded to the humble soul. — 
With such godly simplicXy wa s Luther conversant in 



CENT. XVI.] THE REFORMATION. 295 

the gospel practice ; and so totally distinct was the 
spiritual understanding and improvement, which he 
desired to encourage in the church, from the mere 
theory of frigid theological disquisition. Perhaps no 
history, since the days of the Apostles, affords a more 
remarkable instance of the humility and condescension 
of a primary theologian, in stooping to the infirmities, 
of the weak, and lowering himself to the most uncul- 
tivated minds, than is exhibited by the publication of 
these two catechisms. 

In the same year, Luther accompanied Melanc- 
thon's commentary on the epistle to the Colossians, 
with a memorable eulogium on the author ; in which 
he frankly declared, that he preferred the works of 
Melancthon to his own, and was more desirous, that 
they should be read, than any thing, which he himself 
had composed. u I am born," he says, u to be a rough 
controversialist; I clear the ground, pull up the weeds, 
fill up ditches, and smooth the roads. But to build, 
to plant, to sow, to water, and to adorn the country, 
belongs, by the grace of God to Melancthon." 

It was a singular felicity of the infant church of 
Saxony, that its two great luminaries, exceedingly 
diverse, as they were, in temper and in gifts, should 
have been constantly united in the bonds of strict af- 
fection, which never seems to have admitted the least 
degree of envy or jealousy. Such is the light, in 
w r hich these two worthies are transmitted to posteri- 
ty ; an incontestible pair of disinterested friends, 
whose sole object of contention was to excel each oth- 
er in proofs of mutual regard t 

2. It was in the low and desponding state of the 
Protestant party — for example, after such a lamen- 
table defeat as they had suffered at the diet of Augs- 
burg, — that the spirit and character of Luther were 
calculated to shine forth with peculiar lustre, and in 
their true and genuine colors. But his unwearied vi- 
gilance in superintending the reformed churches, by 



m 



THE REFORMATION. [CENT. XVf, 



his incessant attacks on the ecclesiastical corruptions 
and abuses, he had shown, to demonstration, that great 
and continued successes had, in no degree, disposed him 
to be remiss ; and he now stood forward to prove, that 
notwithstanding the late untoward events and the mag* 
nitude of the impending danger, he was neither de- 
pressed by a reverse of circumstances, nor intimida- 
ted by the menaces of an arm of flesh, nor worn out 
by the length and obstinacy of the contention. In 
effect, this champion of evangelical truth always 
looked on the conflict in which he was engaged, as the 
proper concern of Almighty God, and on himself as the 
mere instrument in the righteous cause. His mind ;5 
deeply impressed with this conviction, remained se- 
rene and cheerful, and as vigorous as ever, for new 
attacks on popery, and for new combats with its un- 
blushing advocates. He exhorted the princes ne^er 
to abandon the great truths they had undertaken to 
support, and at the same time, he comforted his de- 
jected friends, and employed much time in private 
prayer. At no period of his life was the weight and 
influence of Martin Luther more conspicuous than in 
1530, when the religious differences seemed tending 
to an awful crisis. His fortitude was invincible, his 
zeal courageous, and disinterested : and happily they, 
were both tempered by an extraordinary degree tff 
rational and fervent piety. 






QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION? 

TO BE ANSWERED BY THE PUPIL. 

CENTURY I. 

CHAP. I. 

In what state did Christianity find mankind ? 

Where did something of the worship of the true 
God exist ? 

What ideas were almost unknown in Judea ? 

Who made his appearance in this dismal night ? 

What is the genuine secret of true piety ? 

When did it please God to erect the first Christian 
church at Jerusalem ? 

rv cat naa our saviour aone previously 10 mis eycm,* 

Where did the Apostles convene after our Lord's 
ascension ? 

Give an account of the descent of the Holy Spirit, 

Relate the circumstances which succeeded the cies- 
cent of the Holy Spirit. 

What may be said of the members of the church at 
this time ? 

What were the effects of the Apostles' continued 
exertions ? 

How were the Apostles treated by the magistrates 
of Jerusalem ? 

How were they delivered from prison ? 

What did they do, on being released from confine- 
ment ? 

What was their reply, when accused of disobedi- 
ence ? 

How many deacons were chosen at this time ? 

What was the office of deacons ? 

Who of them was the most distinguished ? 

You may relate the character and martyrdom of 
Stephen. 

What may be said of that spirit, which shone in this 
first of Christian martyrs ? 



29S 



QUESTIONS. 



Relate the conversion of Paul. 

In what was he engaged from this time till his death'? 

What was the state of the persecution, after Paul 
had espoused the cause of Christianity ? 

In whose hands was the civil power of Judea at this 
time ? 

Which of the Apostles did Herod put to death? 

How did Herod treat Peter ? 

By what means was Peter delivered from prison? 

Can you mention the circumstances of Herod's 
death ? 

What was the next memorable event in the mother 
church ? 

You may relate the most prominent things respect- 
ing Galilee — Samaria — Csesarea — Antioch— Galatia 
— Pliiiippi — Thessalonica — Corinth — -Rome — -Thestf- 
ven churches of Asia. 



CHAP. II. 

When did the Apostles leave Judea ? 

What were the effects of their exertions among the 
Gentiles ? 

When did the Romans first issue edicts for perse- 
cuting the Christians ? 

Give an account of the persecution under Nero. 

Can you give some account of the destruction of Je- 
rusalem, and the sufferings of the Jews ? 

What became of the Christians of Judea ? 

By whom were the horrors of persecution renewed? 

What edict did Nerva, the succeeding emperor, 
publish ? 

Which of the Apostles first suffered martyrdom ? 

What remarkable circumstance attended his death ? 

Give an account of the life and martyrdom of James 
the Just. 

Who was appointed successor of James ? 

How long did the Apostle Paul labor in the ministry? 

How many epistles did he write during this period i 



QUESTI0 NS. 299 

How was he put to death ? 

Who were the companions of this Apostle ? 

What : :ace was the great theatre of the Apostle 
John's labors ? 

What does Tertullian relate respecting him ? 

Relate the following anecdotes respecting John. 

How old was he when he died ? 

Who was Clement ? 

What does Clement say respecting the atonement* 
—respecting jusnncctic.: ? 

Recite the quotations, in which Clement ackncw^ 
ledged the agency and consolations of the Hoiy Spirit, 

What change was effected in thousands ? 

Whom did these Christian s warship ? 

In what respects were they similar ? 

CENTURY II, 
CHAP. I. 

Who was master of the Roman world at the com- 
mencement of the second ce .tiny ? 

How did this emperor fee] towards the Christians ? 

Who was one of the most venerable characters, 
that suffered during this persecution? 

Relate the most proriiinent circumstances in the life 
and martyrdom of Ignatius. 

What do his writings evince ? 

By whom was Trajan succeeded ? 

How did Adrian treat the Christians ? 

What was the success of the gospel at the same timer 

Bv what means w as this persecution terminated ? 

How did Adrian treat ihe Jews ; 

You may relate the most prominent circumstances 
relative to an impostor who appeared at this time. 

By whom was Adrian succeeded ? 

What privilege did the Christians enjoy during the 
grer *r part of his reign ? 

Waat appear* from the edict of Antoninus Pius ? 



300 QUESTIONS. 

What does this divine religion, about which there 
is so much contention, comprehend ? 

Who succeeded Antoninus Pius ? 

How did Marcus Antoninus treat the Christians ? 

What can you relate respecting Justin Martyr ? 

What do we learn from his writings ? 

Who was another distinguished character, that suf- 
fered during this persecution ? 

Relate the most important events of the life and 
martyrdom of Poly carp. 

What should those ask themselves, who are content 
with a cold rationality in religion ? 

How far did the flames of Antoninus' persecution 
extend ? 

What is remarked of the sufferings which the Chris- 
tians endured at Vienna and Lyons ? 

Give an account of the sufferings and death of one 
Sanetus, a deacon of Vienna. 

How did females distinguish themselves at this time? 

Give an account of the sufferings and death of Blan- 
dina. 

What was done w r ith the bodies of the martyrs ? 

What did the persecutors triumphantly say ? 

How does Christ's kingdom appear in the narrative 
before us ? 

What were some of the heresies which prevailed in 
the second century ? 

CENTURY III. 

CHAP. L 

You may relate the most prominent things in the cha- 
racters of iffjtfeus — Tertullian — Pantssnus — Clemens 

Alexandrinus. 

CHAP, h; 

During whose reign did the third century commence? 
How did Severus conduct towards the Christians ? 



^CESTIOXS* oU'I 

Where did tire persecution rage with the greatest 
violence ? 
What circumstances are here recorded respecting 

Origen ? 

What can you relate respecting the persecution at 
Carthage ? 

How far did Severus extend this persecution ? 

Who was his successor? and what was his character: * 

What was the character of Heliogabalus ? 

By whom was he succeeded ? 

How did Alexander treat the Christians ? 

What event took place in 235 ? 

What events next took place ? 

By whom was Philip succeeded? 

What character was very conspicuous during this 
period ? and why ? 

Give an account of Cyprian — his character — and his 
election to office. 

In what year did his conversion take place ? 

How long was the whole scene of his public life ? 

What will a few extracts from his letters evince ? 

Recite some of them. 

What events took place while Cyprian was labor- 
ing to recover the spirit of godliness among the Afri- 
can churches ? 

What conspired to bring on a more dreadful perse- 
cution than the church had yet experienced ? f 

How far did the flame of that persecution spread .* 

Who retired into a secret place during this perse- 
cution ? 

To whom did Cyprian write during his retreat f 
what does he evince ? 

On what account did the persecution at Carthage 
appear very dreadful ? 

With what other trials did Providence exercise the 
mind of Cyprian ? 

Relate the conduct of Novatfen. 
26 



m2 



QUESTIONS* 



When did Cyprian return to Carthage ? and what 
Was done on his return ? 

What put an end to the Decian persecution ? 

Who was Decius' successor ? 

By what were the Eastern and Western churches' 
divided at this time ? 

What was the situation of the Gentile church at Je- 
rusalem ? 

What did Origen endure, during the Decian perse- 
cution ? 

What does Eusebius say of him ? 

In what year did this great man die ? 

Who was at this time bishop of Alexandria ? 

With what were the Christians of Alexandria threat- 
ened during the Decian persecution ? 

What was said by one Maximus of Asia, when se- 
verely tortured ? 

W hat was the state of the persecution in Egypt at 
this time ? 

What can you relate respecting a young Egyptian 
by the name of Paul ? 

On what account is the whole scene of the Decian 
persecution memorable ? 

What two evils had their date from the Decian per- 
secution ? 

Who soon began to disturb the peace of the church ? 

What bishop was sent into banishment at this time ? 

W 7 ho was chosen in his stead ? 

By whom was Lucius succeeded ? 

By what was the short reign of Callus distinguished? 

What was one of the evils which distinguished his 
xeign ? and how were the pagans aftected with it ? 

What measures did the Christians adopt to mitigate 
the public calamity ? 

What did this dreadful calamity give Cyprian as 
-opportunity of doing ? 

la what year was Gallus slain ? 

What did the people of God find in Valerian? 



QUESTIONS, 



m 



What was transacted in a council, held at Carthage 
,\vith Cyprian at their head, in the year 253 ? 

At what time did Valerian commence a most dread- 
ful persecution ? 

'■v hat may be remarked of the change which took 
place in Valerian ? 

Relate the circumstances of Cyprian's banishment 

Relate the martyrdom of Sixtus, bishop of Rome, 
and Laurentius his chief deacon. 

By whom was Valerian taken prisoner ? and hovf 
treated ? 

How were the Christians treated by Gallienus, hi? 
successor ? 

V ! hat new scene do we now behold ? 

How long was the example of Gallienus followed •? 

Who was the greatest luminary in the church at this 
time ? and what can you relate respecting him ? 

What account is here given relative to Paul of Sa- 
na osata ? 

What is evident from this account ? 

What heresy appeared during the reign of Probus ? 

What account is here given of Dioclesian ? 

What was the state of the church at this time ? 
CHAP. III. 

Give an account of Gregory. 

CHAP, IV. 

What was the success of the gospel in the 3d centurv ? 
CHAP. V. 

What may be said of different opinions w T ith regard 
to their influence on practice ? 

What are the peculiar doctrines of the gospel ? 

What do we learn from the history of the church 
during the three first centuries ? 

What did the Christians of the three first centuries 
believe ? 

Why were they patient under the severest injuries; 
content in the meanest circumstances, &c. ? 

What would be the effect of taking from these m£n* 
nlQ peculiar doctrines of the gospel ? 



304 



QUESTIONS. 



CENTURY IV, 

CHAP. I. 

Who spent a whole winter in plotting the destruc- 
tion of Christians in the beginning of the 4th century ? 

In what manner did the persecution commence ? 

How extensive was it / 

How were Christians put to death at this time ? 

Give an account of the persecution in Egypt. 

How did the sufferers endure these cruelties ? 

What were the effects of this persecution ? 

What do these things demonstrate ? 

"What change took place in the empire in 305 ? 

What can you relate respecting one Paul, when 
sentenced to lose his head ? 

How long did this heavy persecution continue ? 

W ho succeeded Constantius ? What was the end of 
Galerius ? What edict did he publish ? What was its 
effect ? 

Under whom did Syria and Egypt remain ? . 

How did Maximian treat the Christians in those 
countries ? 

What was the end of Maximian ? 
CHAP. II. 

How was the emperor Constanline affected to- 
wards the Christian religion ? 

By what means was he induced to embrace Chris- 
tianity ? 

Is it thought that he was really a pious man ? 

When we look at the external state of the church 
during his reign, what do we behold ? 

What schism originated at this time ? 

Relate the most prominent things relative to Ari- 
us, till he was condemned by a second Synod at Alex- 
andria. 

How did Constantine regard the Avian controversy? 

What was the result? 

What testimony does this afford us ? 

When did Alexander die ? Who succeeded &iM 



QUESTIONS. 305 

Relate the history of Arius from this time till his 
death. 

How long did Constantine survive this event ? 

By whom was he succeeded ? 

What do we know respecting Constantine II. and 
Constantius ? 

What was 'carried on during the reign of Constat 
tine's sons ? 

What can you tell about the emperor Constantius ? 

By what means did Constantius become sole master 
of the empire? 

How were the friends of the Nicene faith treated ? 

By what means did the Arian party gain proselytes ? 

When did Constantius die? 

What did Paganism experience during the reign of 
Constantine and Constantius ? 

To whom were the eyes of the Pagan votaries di- 
rected ? 

What was the character of Julian? How did he 
attempt the restoration of idolatry ? What were the 
circumstances of his death? 

What is here recorded respecting Athanasius ? 

By whom was Julian succeeded ? 

On what account does Jovian deserve to be particu- 
larly mentioned in ecclesiastical history ! 

What were the most important events that took 
place in his reign? 

At what time did this emperor die ? 

What were the effects of his death? 

What can you tell about his successors? 

W r hat was the internal state of the church at this time 1 

What is remarked of Athanasius ? 

What was the only comfortable circumstance in the 
East ? 

What was the prospect in the West ? 

Relate the most prominent things in the character 
of Ambrose. 

Who succeeded Valentinjaii ? 
26* 



306 QUESTIONS. 

Whom did Gratian choose for his colleague ? 

What appeared in Gratian from his earliest years? 

"What did he say when speaking of the Son of God? 

Who was chosen bishop of Constantinople ? 

What efforts were made to effect a reformation in 
the church? 

By what means did the emperor Gratian lose his 
life ? 

What w r as the state of his mind, when dying ? 

What heretical sect appeared, during the reign of 
Gratian? 

How were the heretics treated by Maxiinus the 
usurper ? 

How were the truly pious effected by these things? 

What were the most important events that took 
place from this time till the death of Valentinian ? 

Who became master of the Roman world ? 

What can you relate respecting Theodosius ? 
CHAP. II. 

You may give an account of the propagation of the 
gospel in the fourth century. 

CHAP. III. 

What can you relate respecting Ephraim, the Sy- 
rian ?— Basil ? 

CENTURY V. 

CHAP. I. 

What were some of the most prominent things in 
the life and character of Chrysostom, from his birth, till 
lie was promoted to the office of presbyter of Antioch? 

What were some of the interesting 'events which 
took place, while he continued at Antioch ? 

To what office was Chrysostom next appointed ? 

Relate the circumstances relative tohis banishment. 

Why was he recalled from banishment ? 

What other interesting circumstances can you relate 
respecting Chrysostom? 



QUESTIONS 3.0> 

AUGUSTINE, 

At what time did God grant a second great effusion 
of his Spirit 1 

Who was the great instrument of this work ? 

You may give an account of Augustine's conversion. 

What was the frame of his mind at the time he was 
admitted into the church ? 

Can you relate the circumstances of his mother's 
death I 

To what place did Augustine return after the death 
of his mother ? To what office was he elected ? 

What new heresy sprung up at this time ? 

What did this heresy introduce ? 

Where was Pelagius born? What is Pelaganism ? 

What farther account can you give of the Pelagian 
heresy ? 

What can you tell about the Donatists ? 

What may be remarked of Augustine's City of God? 

What was. the occasion of his writing this treatise ? 

What does he recommend in the method of cate- 
chising? 

What is said of Augustine's exposition of the Psalms? 
Of his treatise on the Trinity ? 

W hat does Augustine describe humility to be ? 

Relate the circumstances of his death. 

What were the most prominent things in the cha- 
racter of Jerome ? 

What do the lives of other Christian authors of this 
Century evince? what do they testify in their writings? 
CHAP. II. 

What was the general stale of things at this timeV? 

What can you relate respecting Gennanus ? 

You may give an account of Semipelagianism. 

Where did the influences of the gospel, in this cea- 
tory, begin to be felt ? 

What is recorded respecting Palladius ? — Patrick ? 
What event took place in the year 439 ? 
What was the character of Genseric? 



308 QUESTIONS, 

How did he treat the bishops ? 

What interesting circumstances can you relate res- 
pecting a number of captives, who were delivered 
into the hands of a Moorish king ? 

What was the situation of the whole empire of the 

est at this time ? 

By whom was Genseric succeeded ? 

How did Huneric treat the faithful ? 

How did the captives, whom he had delivered to 
the Moors, appear while Approaching the deserts ? 

With what did the whole country resound ? 

How were the captives treated by the Moors ? 

What else can you relate respecting Huneric ? 

Give an account of Theodoric, the Ostrogoth ?— 
Epiphanius bishop of Pavia ? 

vv hat reformation took place in France at this time? 

What evil do we see progressing in the church, du- 
ring this century ? 

What was the state of the church in Spain, France^ 
&c. during this century ? 

What were the vices which tarnished the Western 
church I What the Eastern ? 

How were the Christians in Persia treated at this 
£ime ? 

How long did Theodosius reign ? 

What was his character ? 

By what means was the public compensated for his 
remissness ? 

To whom did Theodosius leave the empire? 

To whom did his sister give herself in marriage ? 

What were the favorite objects of Marcian ? 

What can you relate respecting a Jewish impostor 
of Crete? 

What was the general appearance of things ? 

CENTURY VI. 
CHAP. I. 

When did Thrasamond commence his reign 1 
What was hU character ? 



QUESTIONS. 309 

How did he treat the orthodox ? 

Can you mention the most prominent circumstances 
in the life of Fulgentius ? 

In his writings, what does he evince ? 

What was the general appearance of the church 
both in the East and West during this century ? 

How were Christians in Arabia Felix treated, dur- 
ing the reign of Justin ? 

What can you relate respecting Justinian ? 

In what year was a council held at Orange in France? 

Repeat a few passages which express the senti- 
ments of the godly men who composed this council 2 
CHAP. II. 

Relate the most prominent circumstances relative 
to Gregory from his birth, till he entered upon his 
bishopric ? 

What were the ruling dispositions of Gregory ? 

By whose means was the whole period of his epis- 
copacy rendered disastrous ? 

What does he say to a friend when speaking of his 
bodily sufferings ? 

What can you relate respecting John, bishop of 
Constantinople ? 

Who wrote against the haughtiness of John ? 

By what means did Gregory lay the foundation of 
Popery ? 

For what purpose did he allow people to make use 
of images in the churches ? 

How did this practice terminate ? 

What was thepredominant feature- in the character 
of the emperor Mauritius ? 

Relate one specimen of his avarice, and the cir- 
cumstances connected with it ? 

What induced Gregory to offer himself as a mis- 
sionary to the Island of Great Britain ? 

What prevented the work at that timo ? 

At what time did Gregory send missionaries info 
England . ? 

Who was at the bead of them? 



Si© QVESTIO*?& 

Give an account of this mission. 

VMien did Gregory die ? 

To what did he sincerely devote himself? 

CENTUHY VII. 

CHAP. I. 

How did Great Britain appear in the 7th century? 

You may relate the most important circumstances' 
Relative to the spread of the gospel in this century. 

what blessing did the northern part of Europe 
%fcceive during this century ? 

Who were honored as instruments of this blessing? 

CHAP. II. 

By whom was Phocas, the Greek emperor, slain* 

What was his character? 

Who desolated the eastern part of the empire* 
during the reign of Heraclius ? 

Can you relate the most prominent circumstances 
relative to John the Almoner ? 

* hat can you relate respecting Chosroes, the Per- 
sian king ; 

What heresies were prevalent at this time in the 
East ? 

What heresy appeared in 630 ? 

Who protested against it ? 

What can you relate respecting, Martin, Bishop 
of Rome ? — Maximus ? 

Ci re an account of Mahomet, the Arabian impos- 
tor/ 

At what time did Africa fall under the power of the 
Mahometans ? 

To what was this region, which long refreshed us 
with evangelical light, consigned ? 

what was the state of the church in England,, 
•Fra-iee, Italy, &c. at this time ? 

Wh<\jt was tha state, of the church in the East ? 



QUESTIONS, #11* 

CENTUPvY VIII. 

CHAP. I. 

You may relate the character of Bede, 
CHAP. II. 

What further account can you give of the Mahome*- 
tans i # 

CHAP. III. 

From what dees the marvellous propensity to the 
sin of idolatry originate ? 

At what time did some approaches toward this evil 
appear in the church ? 

What crisis finally arose? 

What events took place in the year 727 ? 

What is meant by Popery 'i ^ 

What was the person called who governed thfc 
church of Rome from time to time ? 

What can you tell about the pope ? - 

What did Leo do to prevent the growth of idolatry? 

What were the consequences of his efforts? 

In what year did Leo and Gregory die? 

What were the Arabians doing at this time ? 

What was the situation of the real church ? 

What was the substance of a letter, written by 
Zachary, the successor of Gregory, to the dukes of 
France ? 

What did the pope, from this time, assume ? 
CHAP. IV. 

What is here related respecting the Irish ? 

Where is the real church to be seen in this century? 

VV ho supported pious missionaries among the Hea- 
then I 

You may give an account of Wjllibrod. 

V\ ho was, in this century, the great light of Germ&* 
*y ! 

Give an account of Winfrid's missionary tours. 

Mention the circumstance of his death. 
What other missionaries might be mentioned? 



$ti 



QUESTIONS. 



CENTURY IX. 



CHAP. I. 

To what may the several circumstances, which at- 
tended the darkness that pervaded this period, be 
reduced ? 

What was, at this time, considered essential to 
salvation ? 

What absurd tenet was introduced in this dark 
period ? 

What is here recorded respecting Charlemagne ? 
CHAP. II. 

Give an account of the Paulicians. 
CHAP. III. 

By whom were the corruptions of popery opposed 
in this century ? 

You may relate the most prominent circumstances 
hi the life of Claudius Gotteschalcus. 

CHAP. IV. 

Whom did Providence make use of for the propa- 
gation of the gospel ? 

V* hat is here recorded respecting Cyril of Thessa- 
lonica ? 

At what time did the Russians receive a knowledge 
of the gospel ? 

What can you relate respecting the two Adelards 
— Anscarius I 

CENTURY X. 
CHAP, I. 

What was said by a friend of the Roman see res- 
pecting the wickedness of this age ? 
. What may be remarked of the wickedness of the 
popes ? 

What is the general history of the church at this 
time f 

What was one of. the most remarkable instances of 
opposition to the pope ? 



QUESTIONS, 313 

Repeat a few words of the president of the com:, 
cil of Rheims ? 

With what churches didjthe Spirit of God continue? 

What were the Normafis and the Turks doing at 
this time ? 

CHAP. II. 

In what country was the gospel planted during this 
century ? 

What can you relate respecting Adelbert, Arch- 
bishop of Prague ? 

What was the state of Christianity in Denmark andT 
Sweden at this time ? 

Into what countries did the light of the gospel pen- 
etrate ? 

By what means was the gospel introduced into Po- 
land ? 

When did Russia form a Christian establishment ? 

To whom must the work of propagating the gospel 
appear laudable ? 

CENTURY XI. 

CHAP. I. 

What circumstances demonstrate that the Spirit of 
God had not forsaken the earth ? 

What was the state of the Eastern church in this 
century ? — the Western ? 

What were the great sources of political conten- 
tions at this time ? 

With" what were the crusades attended ? 

W r hat was the state of Africa at this time ? 

Into what regions did missionaries continue to pene- 
trate ? 

What was their success ? 

CHAP. II. 

What was the character of Margaret, queen of 
[.Scotland ? 

27 



§14 QUESTIONS. 

What were the most prominent tilings In the life 
ef Anselm ? 

What do his works demonstrate ? 

Repeat a few extracts h%m the writings of An- 
selm ? 

CENTURY XII.. 
CHAP. L 

What were some of the most prominent things iia 
the life and character of Bernard, previous to his de- 
fence against Abelard ? 

Where was Abelard born ? 

What were some of the prominent traits in his 
character ? 

You may relate the most important events of his 
life previous to his being opposed by Bernard. 

What course did Bernard pursue with Abelard to 
convince him of his errors ? 

On what occasion did Abelard challenge Bernard t& 
make good his charges of heresy ? 

What determined Bernard to meet Abelard at the 
time and place appointed ? 

What were their proceedings after having arrived 
at Sens ? 

What do the bishops of France affirm in a letter to 
the pope respecting these proceedings? ^ 

What was the influence of Bernard's labors in this 
cause ? 

What orders did the pope issue against Abelard ? 

With what does the term Cathari correspond ? 

"U hat can you relate respecting the Cathari ? * 

How does Bernard attack them ? 

"What overbalances 'all his invectives ? 

You may repeat an extract from the writings of 
one of this sect. 

On what does Bernard insist in a small tract con- 
cerning conversion ? 

Repeat a few extracts from Bernard's sermon m 
Jhe Song of Solomon. 



QUESTIONS, 315 

What do his writings evince ? 

What can you relate respecting the death and cha- 
racter of Bernard ? 

Who is generally considered the best of the fathers? 
CHAP. II. 

What may be remarked respecting the Eastern 
church at this time . ? 

What can you relate respecting the crusades ? 

What gave a new tone and vigor to the human mini 
at this time ? 

How great was the influence of the bishops of Rome? 

What declaration did Innocent III. make ? 

What was the situation of England at this time ? 

You may relate an instance of the barbarity of 
Henry II. 

Where was the true church to be found in this dis- 
astrous period ? 

What consolation does a true believer find, when 
contemplating the darkness of this period ? 

CENTURY XIII. 

CHAP. I. 

What time did the Gathari live ? 

When did they receive a great accession of num- 
bers ? 

By what were they distinguished in this century ? 

Where were they peculiarly numerous ? 

Who was their founder ? 

At what time was the acknowledgment of t?an- 
substantiation required by the court of Rome ? 

By whom was this and other corruptions of Popery 
opposed ? 

What occasioned the religious concern of Waldo ? 

How did Philip Augustus treat the Waidenses of 
Picardy ? 

What farther can you relate respecting Waldo ? 

What were the effects of Waldo's exertions ? 

How were the Waldenses treated throughout Ei£ 
rope ? 



316 % QUESTIONS. 

Under what disadvantages did they labor ? 

By what names were they called ? 

You may repeat some of the following testimonies 
of their enemies. 

What doctrines did the Waldenses embrace? 

What is the external history of the Waldenses ? 

Why were they considered the greatest enemies to 
the court of Rome ? 

At what time did the pope institute the court of 
inquisition ? 

Who were the first objects of his cruelty ? 

How many of the Waldenses were hanged and 
burned by this wicked device in the former frart of 
the 13th century ? What was their sole crime '! 

For what reason was the work of imprisonment 
deferred in 1228? 

How many professed the religion of the Waldenses 
in 1530? 

What became of a preaching monk, whom the pope 
sent among them ? 

What were the consequences of his being murdered? 

What was one of the canons of a council held inl229? 

Give an account of the sufferings of this people in 
the valley ofPragelaand Lyons. 

How long did their persecutions continue, more or 
less violent ? 

What does this scene evince? 
CHAP. II. 

From the foregoing account what is the reader 
prepared to conclude ? 

By what means was the gloom of ignorance increas- 
ed ? 

Were there any who saw through the sophistry of 
the fashionable learning ? 

For what was Roger Bacon distinguished ? 

Give an account of the Dominicans andFraneiscans ? 

What circumstances evince the pretended autho- 
rity of Gregory IX ? 

You may give an account of the Othman empire. 



QUESTIONS. 317 

CENTURY XIV, 
CHAP. I. 

What was the general state of the church in this 
century ? 

| What was a means of diminishing the reverence 
of mankind to the Popedom ? 

What was one of the latest and most absurd cor- 
ruptions of Popery i 

CHAP. II. 

What is there interesting in the character of Tho- 
mas Bradwardine ? 

. W T hat were the most prominent things in the life 
and character of John . v\ ickliff? 

What does he say respecting the good works of un- 
believers ? 

What does he say about the corruption of human 
nature ? 

CENTURY XV, 

CHAP. I. 

What terms have in all ages been applied to real 
Christians ? 

hat was the character of the Lollards ? 

You may give some account of their persecutions. 

What was the principal object of a synod, assem- 
bled at London in 1413. 

On what account what was Lord Cobham very ob- 
noxious to the ecclesiastics ? 

How was he treated ? 

You may relate the circumstances which afforded 
the clergy an opportunity to gratify their resentment 
against this noble chief of the Lollards. 

What were the circumstances of his death ? 

How did he die ? 

You may give some fa ler accounts of the suffer- 
ings of the Lollards. 

What were the effects of these cruelties r 



SIS 



QUESTIONS. 



When we are weaned with the contemplation of 
the barbarous scenes of this century, what is one of 
the most certain conclusions we can arrive at ? 

CHAP. II. 

What was the character of the council of Constance? 

What was the object of this council ? 

What was effected by this council ? 

What countries were represented by deputies $t 
this council ? 

Who were at the head of this council ? 

What was the character of these men ? 

Who was summoned to appear before this council ? 

Give some account of John Huss, previous" to his 
going to Constance. 

You may relate the most prominent circumstances 
©f his trial. 

Can you give some account of the death of John 
Huss ? 

How were the Popes treated by this council ? 

Who was the next object of their cruelty ? 

What was the character of Jerome of Prague ? 

Why did he go to Constance ? 

How was he there treated ? 

What were the next proceedings of the council ? 

By what means did the council induce Jerome to 
retract his sentiments ? 

What was the substance of Jerome's retraction ? 

How was he treated after his retraction ? 

Why was he examined the second time ? 

What did he then exhibit ? 

What were the proceedings during this examination? 

You may relate the circumstances of his death. 

What was one of the valuable purposes, to which 
the council of Constance was subservient ? 

What did the council proceed to do near the close 
of the year 1417? 

When was this celebrated council dissolved ? 



QUESTIONS, 319 

CHAP. III. 

What are the most prominent things in the history 
of the Hussites, till the beginning of the Reformation? 
CHAP. IV. 

What interesting circumstances are recorded in re- 
view of the fifteenth century. 

CENTURY XVI. 

CHAP. I. 

How does the sixteenth century open ? 

What did the world behold soon after the com- 
mencement of this century ? 

You may give an account of the popish doctrine of 
indulgences. 

CHAP. II. 

At what time did Leo X. succeed to the popedom? 

What was his character ? 

In what year did the Reformation commence ? 

How was this great work begun ? 

You may give some of the most interesting partic- 
ulars of the private life of Luther, previous to his 
assumption of that public character, which has ren- 
dered his name immortal. 

What induced the Saxon Reformer to act the part 
which has given so much celebrity to his name ? 

V* hat two points are there respecting Luth'er, in 
which all the learned concur in their testimony ? 

What is the only just censure which can be affixed 
en his character ? What are some of his excellencies? 

What did Tetzel do in consequence of the publica- 
tion of Luther's theses ? 

What was done by w T ay of retaliation ? 

How did Leo X. behold the ecclesiastical dispute* 
in Germany ? 

How did the clergy behold them ? 
V hat were the proceedings of the Roman pontiff, 
when he became roused from his indolence and secu- 
rity ? 



i2Q QUESTIONS. 

What method did Luther take to protect himself 
against the rising storm ? 

How did Frederic the Wise conduct on this occa- 
sion ? « 

What was the substance of the conference between 
Luther and Cajetan ? 

CHAP. III. 

What was the condition of Luther, after his return 
fro ittemburg ? 

What was an excellent part of Luther's character ? 

To what did the court of Rome next have recourse? 

What became of Tetzel ? 

You may give a short account of the dispute at 
Leipsic ? 

Who was the only prince that publicly favored the 
Reformation ? 

Who is numbered among the most powerful instru- 
ments of the Reformation ? 

What endowments concurred to render him emi- 
nently serviceable to the Reformation ? 
CHAP IV. 

What were the proceedings of Miltitz, the pope's 
guncio ? 

How was Luther affected by these things ? 

Who began at this time to reply to some of Lu- 
ther s adversaries ? 

On what condition would Luther consent to be silent? 

What circumstances took place in the year 1520> 
which tended greatly to encourage the Saxon Reformer? 

Vvhat did Luther do on hearing that the*court of 
Rome had determined to publish his condemnation ? 

At what time did Leo X. publish his famous edict 
against Luther ? 

What dii the edict contain ? 

With what reception did it meet ? 

What defensive steps were taken by Luther at this 
lime ? 

By whom was Europe governed during a considera- 
ble part of the fifteenth century ? 



QUESTIONS. S2t 

Who were then actors upon the great drama ? 

What prevented their uniting to crush the Reforma- 
tion ? 

What were the effects of Luther's wisdom and of 
Melancthon's learning ? 

What was the grand point which Luther had most 
at heart in all his labors, contests and dangers ? 

For what purpose did Charles assemble the diet of 
W orms ! 

You may give a short account of the proceedings of 
the diet previous to Luther's arrival 

What was the substance of the emperor's letter ta 
Luther ? 

What did Luther say to a friend, while on his jour- 
ney to Worms ? 

What memorable answer did Luther return to his 
friends, who urged the danger of his proceeding to 
Worms ? 

What was Luther's reception at orms ? 

What were the proceedings of the diet after Lu- 
ther's arrival . ; 

W r hat were the feelings of the popish partizans, 
during this interesting scene ? 

V hat did the enemies of the Reformation intend to 
effect ? 

What plan was contrived to conceal Luther from 
the rage 0/ his enemies 

yvhorn did Charles employ to draw up the final sea- 
5 against Luther ? 

V hat was the substance of this edict? 
What were Luther's books producing at this time? 
What may be remarked of this season? 

CHAP. V. 

How were the followers of Luther affected by the 
sudden disappearance of their leader ? 

vVhat reports were circulated respecting Luther 
after his concealment ? 

How was he employed at this time ? 



322 QUESTIONS'. 

What encouraging things did he hear respecting the 
Reformation ? 

^ b?t iatelligence reached him that was calculated 
to damp his joy ? 

When did Luther leave what he<called hisPatmo^ 
and return to v\ ittemburg ? 

V hat induced him to do this ? 

What were the effects of Luther's return to Wit- 
temburg ? What was his situation at this time ? 

What work did Luther publish in the year 1522 ? 

To what did he then proceed ? 

What were the effects of his publishing a transla- 
tion of the Scriptures ? 

How was the work treated by the popish princes? 

How were the Lutherans treated by George, duke 
$f Saxony ? By whom was Leo X. succeeded ? 

- bat rvas the character of Adrian ? 

To what did Adrian exhort the diet of Nuremburg? 

How were the German princes affected with these 
^exhortations ? 

Tti what did they advise ? 

For what purpose was a combination formed by the 
pope, the emperor, and the bigotted German princes ? 

How did this combination terminate ? 

W r ith what did Charles V. begin, at this time, to as- 
tonish all Europe ? . . 

How did he treat the people of God inTlanders ? 

What change was effected in Denmark at this time? 
W T hat in Sweden ? — in Hungary ? 

What was the general state of the Reformation? 

You may give a short account of the Calvinistic and 
Helvetic denominations. 

What were the proceedings of another diet, held 
at Nuremburg ? 

What did these proceedings occasion? 
, What was Luther doing at this time ? 

What was the situation of Germany during the 
year, 1524 and 1525^ 

At what time did a civil T *ar commence in Germany? 



QUESTIONS. 32% 

What were the most important circumstances rela- 
tive to this war ? 

hat distinguished patron of the Reformation died 
in the year IbZb ? 

CHAP. VI. 

Relate the circumstances cf Luther's marriage. 
CHAP. VII, 

What may he said of Erasmus',merits as a restorer 
of learning ? 

What eminently qualified him as a proper champion 
to engage Luther ? 

By what means was he induced to become an open 
adversary to the Reformers 

You may give an account cf the controversy be- 
tween Luther and Erasmus. 

In what do the writings of Erasmus abound ? 
CHAP. VIII. 

How did John, the new elector of Saxony, conduct 
the religious concerns of his dominions? 

By whom was the Reformation adopted ? 
CHAP. IX. 

What book did Luther compose and print, a short 
time before he administered the Lord's Supper in the 
German language ? 

W hat may be remarked of this book ? 

What is said of the productions of I^uther, relative 
.to the sacramental controversy ? 

By whom was the doctrine of consubstantiation 
opposed ? 

CHAP. X. 

Who followed the example of the elector of Saxony 
and the landgrave of Hesse ? 

H hat was the consequence ? 

What essential difference was there between the 
patrons of popery and Lutheranism ? 

How were the Lutherans affected by these pro- 
ceedings 

what circumstance increased the alarm of those 
German princes who favored the Reformation? 



324 QUESTIONS. 

What were the proceedings of the diet of Augsburg? 
What circumstances occasioned disquieting appre- 
hensions in the minds of the Protestants at this time? 
Vv hat were the effects of these alarming appear- 
ances ? 

What may be remarked of the Magdeburg treaty ? 

Give an account of the diet at Spires. 

How did Ferdinand treat the Lutherans in Bohemia 
♦ and Hungary ? 

You may relate the martyrdom of George Carpen- 
ter and Leonard Cassar. 

What had a strong tendency to exalt Luther in his 
own eyes ? 

You may repeat a few extracts from h% letters in 
which he discloses the secret distress of his soul. 

Relate the narrative of Bugenhagius and Jonas. 

What may be remarked of the success of the gospel 
during this period ? 

To what were those persons exposed, who avowed 
their conviction of the truth ? 

How were the Lutherans of France treated ? 

What account can you give of a widow in North 
Holland here mentioned ? 

To what was the decree of the diet of Spires equi- 
valent ? * ' 

hat were the proceedings of a diet, assembled at 
the same place in 1529 ? 

Who protested against the proceedings of this diet? 

What denomination arose from their protest ? 

W hat were the next proceedings of the Protestant 
princes ? 

v* hat was their ultimate resolution ? 

On what occasion was the confession of Augsburg 
written ? 

V\ hat may be remarked of this confession ? 

What were the proceedings of the Roman pontiff at 
this time ? 

v^hat was the issue of the diet at Augsburg? 

What else may be added concerning it ? 



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